Charles Lousada who died on July 30 certainly lived life to the full.

The well-known businessman and former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire was involved in various areas and at the time of his death at the age of 73 was a deputy lieutenant of the county.

This week friends and family paid tribute to him.

Solicitor Gareth Woodfine said: “He was excellent and amazing company but as he was tone deaf his rendering of Alouette as a party piece was excruciating!

“I shall miss him greatly. For many years I was involved with him in a few limited companies and shall miss his force and guidance. I have little doubt that he is currently eyeing the Elysian Fields for development.”

Charles was the third of the five sons of Air Commodore Charles Rochford Lousada, DL, Station Commander of RAF Cardington who, on retirement, settled in Bedfordshire.

From Robinson and Hall, he joined Harry Ball & Co as a partner before striking out on his own as a property developer and entrepreneur.

Starting in Bedford, he rapidly expanded to develop property all over the UK and internationally in USA, South Africa and Montenegro. He flew his own helicopter which enabled him to visit his various UK sites frequently.

He was also an entrepreneur owning a major exporting bathroom manufacturer and supporting young business people who needed both capital and an imaginative commercial brain to help build their businesses. He invested in a farm in South Africa and was proud of the wines produced there.

His children, Simon, 49, and Sasha, 48, live in Bedfordshire and continue to contribute to the business community. He leaves behind two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Charles supported many charities including the TA, St John Ambulance and the NSPCC. In his younger days, he played rugby for Queens and some will remember when he used to land his helicopter at the side of the pitch about two minutes before kick off, jump out in his rugby kit including boots, and take his place on the wing as the whistle blew.

He tried his hand at some other pastimes and found that playing Good King Wenceslas on the trombone from his hot-air balloon at Christmas did not encourage requests for encores but it did make the dogs howl!

When he was taken ill while fishing on the Helmsdale in late June he was rapidly treated and received treatment at the London Clinic where he married Miss Jeannie Holmes, his long-term friend and confidante.