The chairman of construction company Kingerlee Limited, Jonathan Kingerlee, who headed up his family’s firm for more than 20 years, has died aged 55.

Father-of-three Mr Kingerlee had began working for his family business, based in Kidlington, in 1981.

He was also a founder member of the Good Homes Alliance and acted as chief executive of an investment firm for 12 years.

Mr Kingerlee, also known as a passionate sailor and keen glider and cricketer, died at the Churchill Hospital earlier this month.

Jonathan Kingerlee was born on July 18, 1960, to parents Tom and Janice. Tom, who ran the family business, died in November 2013, aged 91.

Although he was born in Abingdon, Mr Kingerlee was raised in Oxford, with older brothers, Philip, 57, David, 53 and a younger sister Helen, who died in 1996 age 32. He was a pupil at The Dragon School from 1967 to 1973 and then St Edward’s School from 1973 to 1978.

It was in January 1981 that he began his time with the family firm, Kingerlee Limited, where he stayed until his death.

He was one of the fifth generation to join the business, and became chairman after his father’s retirement.

His younger brother David will succeed him as chairman of the company.

Mr Kingerlee was also a founder member of the Good Homes Alliance, a trade association for property developers and housing associations committed to improving the standard of new-build homes.

His colleagues at the Good Homes Alliance described Mr Kingerlee as a highly capable, distinguished and generous man, with a “laconic” sense of humour.

They remembered him as wise, practical and down-to-earth.

Mr Kingerlee had three children with his partner Fiona – Thomas, William and Benjamin.

His main passions in life, aside from his sons and his work, were sailing, gliding and cricket.

He started sailing as a boy, with friends, at St Edward’s School, and even took part in the 2013/14 Clipper Round the World Race.

Mr Kingerlee died on August 8, following complications after an operation at the Churchill Hospital.

His funeral was held at the Oxford Crematorium on September 4.

His colleagues are now collecting donations for Helen and Douglas House through a Just Giving page set up by workmate Sian Smith.

Visit justgiving.com/jonathankingerlee for more.