20-3—2008: THE life of a former Exmouth businessman was celebrated by more than 200 friends and family members last week. Graham Cooling, who founded Aspect Windows with his wife Nina in Exmouth, died at home on March 1.

20-3-2008: THE life of a former Exmouth businessman was celebrated by more than 200 friends and family members last week. Graham Cooling, who founded Aspect Windows with his wife Nina in Exmouth, died at home on March 1. He had been diagnosed with cancer in summer 2007.

Employees were among the congregation at Aylesbeare Church on Friday, March 14, including some who had been with the firm since it began, with a showroom and factory on Pound Lane.

During the service, led by Reverend Geoffrey Rowe, friends Stuart Marsh and Martin McGahey paid tributes to Graham, 65, who moved to Aylesbeare 30 years ago with Nina and the couple's daughter Tamsin shortly before the birth of their son, Steve.

The congregation heard how Graham grew up in Derbyshire before attending St Luke's College, Exeter, where he met Nina at a ball in 1963.

After a short career as a history and English teacher, Graham moved into civil engineering before working for a national double glazing firm for 12 years and then founding Aspect Windows with Nina in 1982.

The company moved to Sowton in 2001 and, with a team of 20 plus staff, has gone from strength to strength, manufacturing and installing UPVC & aluminium windows, doors and conservatories for the commercial, trade and retail markets.

Steve, 30, joined the business in 2000 and took over the general management when Graham became ill two years ago.

Martin said: "Graham was well respected within the industry and was a straight talking boss, incredibly hardworking and true to his staff. His working relationship with all enabled him to continue working in a reduced capacity and to retain his credibility and dignity."

In January the birth of Steve's son - named Benjamin Graham after his grandfather - brought Graham joy in the later stages of his illness. Martin also referred to Graham's devotion to his granddaughter, Tamsin's daughter Katie, two.

Nina said: "The love and support received from family and friends, nurses and business colleagues enabled Graham and me to maintain as normal a life as possible, for which we are truly grateful. Aspect will continue to flourish under the management of Steve and myself. Graham's legacy is in good hands.