Eric Young, of Ferro Street, Lithgow was the principal of Eric Young Motors, best remembered as the local Fiat and Subaru agency, but also the dealership for a wide range of other vehicles as well as Johnson outboard motors.

The dealership closed with his retirement in 1994.

Born at Oakey Park in December 1929 he was the youngest of six children.

The family subsequently moved to Tyldesley, near Cullen Bullen, where Eric grew up.

Eric’s working life began at 14 doing various jobs on local farms then later at the old Ben Bullen open cut mine.

He sustained life threatening injuries in a mine accident in 1952 and left the industry to take up a position as a motor mechanic working for the late Jack Bilkey.

Eric purchased the business in the early 1960s, moving across the road to the intersection of Main Street and Martini Parade and re-naming it Eric Young’s Motors.

The company enjoyed an excellent reputation for the standard of its workmanship.

Involvement in the Masonic Lodge was an important part of Eric’s life and he was Master of his Lodge on three occasions.

Later he was specially proud to induct his brother Vin into the Chair.

Prior to his failing health he had been involved with the Lithgow Car Club in the era of the old Forty Bends hill climb and more recently with the Lithgow Vintage Car Club.

In his retirement he travelled extensively with his caravan around Australia and also found time to indulge in lawn bowls.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce; sons Eric, Donald and Jeffery and daughter Kerryl Simmons; 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; and one sister Doris Lord.

His funeral service took place at Hoskins Uniting Church.