Michael Pollitt, obituaries editorNorwich-based building contractor Bill Lusher has died peacefully at the age of 84.Michael Pollitt, obituaries editor

Norwich-based building contractor Bill Lusher has died peacefully at the age of 84.

For the past four decades, his family firm, based in Sprowston, has carried out work on Sandringham House and the Queen's estate in west Norfolk.

And WS Lusher & Son has been involved in work on many of Norfolk's landmark buildings, including Norwich Cathedral, over the years.

The long-established business won an initial contract in 1974 from the royal estate and it has maintained its close links over the past 35 years. He was instrumental in forming the Sandringham Association, which has gone from strength to strength over the years, and was very proud to have won 'By Royal Appointment' recognition.

Born at Sprowston in 1926, William Ivan Lusher went to Norwich School. Later, he said: 'I must have been the only boy who left Norwich School to go to a job in bricklaying.'

His father, William Slaymaker Lusher, who died aged 84 in 1978, had founded the business in 1924 after service in the first world war.

Bill, who worked for more than 50 years until his retirement in 1991, was a great champion of training and especially Norwich City College.

He had been a student at the college when starting out in the family business and 50 years later, in June 1991 stood down after 10 years as a governor.

He played an active role in the local branch of the National Federation of Builders. Outside work, he had a 60-year association as a member of the Masonic movement and was master of the Lodge of Sincerity in 1963. He also served as provincial grand senior warden in 1969.

He followed sport with enthusiasm and was president of Norwich Wanderers Cricket Club in 1975 and also a president of Norwich Rugby Football Club.

Three generations of the Lusher family have been involved as presidents of St Andrew's Angling Club, where his son is also a member.

He leaves a widow, Jean, son, Mark who now runs the family building firm, daughter, Ruth, and four grandchildren.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Mary and St Margaret Church, in Sprowston, on Friday, April 16, 3pm.