JAZZ lover and dedicated volunteer at the Oxford Bus Museum, Ernie Clack, who has died aged 86, had a long career as a carpenter.

Born in Witney in 1930, Mr Clack used his joinery skills to mend vehicles at the museum in Long Hanborough for more than a decade.

He worked as a carpenter at West Oxfordshire District Council for nearly 20 years and furniture made by him is still used by the authority today.

Mr Clack’s father died at a young age, so he was brought up in Witney by his mother, Elsie, as an only child.

He went to school in Witney before working at Hadlands, a coach building company at the time. He then moved on to CJ Clarke Timber Merchants as a carpenter and joiner.

Mr Clack’s friend for more than 30 years, Bill Lally, said his employer “loved him to bits” as he was such a reliable and hard-working employee.

The firm was sad to see him leave when he decided to join the council as a carpenter.

He stayed at the council until 2000, when he moved to housing association Cottsway where he worked until his retirement at the age of 70.

Members of the council described him as a “reliable and excellent member of staff”.

Mr Clack never married or had children but had a great number of friends. He lived in Ashcombe Close in Witney for more than three decades.

Outside work, he enjoyed jazz music and the seaside – particularly Torquay – and also had friends in Australia who he would regularly visit.

Fellow bus museum volunteer Roger Battley said he had a good sense of humour and was very friendly Mr Clack died on December 22. His funeral service takes place tomorrow at Oxford Crematorium at 11.30am.