HE was the Q in DIY giant B&Q.

Now tributes have poured in for the gifted Winchester entrepreneur who has died aged 73.

David Quayle was celebrating his wife Chrissie’s birthday onboard luxury cruise off South Africa when he collapsed and later died of a suspected heart attack.

Described as the ‘outstanding businessman of his generation’ he founded the DIY chain with Richard Block, opening their first store in Portswood Road, Southampton, in 1969.

His business success continued with Ritz Video – at one stage the second biggest video retailer in the world – which was later bought by Blockbuster.

Hampshire businessman Khalid Aziz, who met him at Television South in the early 1980s, said: “He was one of the outstanding businessmen of his generation, not only for having a genuine radical idea to create B&Q, but also for the business acumen to build it up and then sell what is one of the leading businesses in the world.

“He’s a great loss to the Hampshire community, where he was well-known and loved. He was one of the great personalities of Hampshire,” he added.

Mr Quayle, a passionate supporter of the arts, founded the Beatrice Royal gallery in Eastleigh in 1999 and also financed West End musicals such as Starlight Express.

His son, Ed, 28, said his father was eating at a seafood restaurant onboard P&O Aurora when he excused himself. He collapsed outside the eatery and despite being revived by the ship’s medical staff, later died on April 6.

He said: “It’s obviously devastating to lose someone that is so close to you. It really hurts when you realise you won’t see him again, he’s left a big whole in everyone’s life.”

“The sadness comes in waves, you feel alright when you have something to do but it’s when you stop and reflect and remember all the things he brought to you, like the lessons and showing you how to live your life.”

“He would not show you masses of affection, me or anyone, but he was enormously generous both with his time and resources – that’s borne out by his philanthropy.”

Euan Sutherland, chief executive of B&Q, said: “We are all saddened at B&Q to hear of the death of one of our founders, David Quayle. He was an inspirational man who co-founded the business.

“I had the privilege of meeting him when he visited a new store last year and he demonstrated a sharp eye for business and a fantastic way with people.

“We will all miss him and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Mr Quayle, of Edgar Road, Winchester, is survived by wife Chrissie, children – Simon, 49, Trudie, 48, Jon, 43, Jo, 40, Ali, 38 and Ed, 28 – and 12 grandchildren.