Tributes have been paid to inventor and the founder of a major British manufacturing company Ivor Barfield, who has died aged 97.

Ivor was known by many in the Marine Industry for the STA-LOK self-fit terminal which he invented and developed in his forge in the 1970's. He founded and was chairman of the British manufacturing company STA-LOK Terminals Ltd, which is also an established business one the USA.

Peter Crowhurst, chairman of Brantham Athletic, a long time friend and former work colleague, remembers when Ivor came to the area in the 60's and worked at Norsemans Ropes Cattawade.

Ivor designed and patented as many as 500 different products and bought the The Forge at Mistley Heath, where they are still manufactured. Ivor also invented a steel wire rope collet fitting that was used on the BT Global Challenge and more recently on off shore wind farms.

Peter described Ivor as: "An engineer, an entrepreneur, a businessman - an amazing man." Peter added: "Ivor patented over 500 different fittings and these ranged in size from a few centimetres up to a 1,000mm long.

"To test their breaking strain. He bought the forge at Mistey Heath and without any loans through sheer hard work and originally historic lathes built a new manufacturing facility behind it sign the latest CNC machines.

"I was a young electrician when he developed the blacksmith shop. I wired up the Factory and got to know him well."

Ivor's son Terry took over as managing director of the family run STA LOK although his dad also kept a keen interest in his later years and was delighted to see his grandson James enter the firm in 2019.

"Everyone in our family has been involved in the company," said Terry. "Dad was immensely proud of STA LOK, the customers and the staff who worked for him over the years, to achieve his vision."

Ivor remained an active ballroom dancer, runner and swimmer into his 90s and Terry added: "He put his longevity down to eating his own fruit and and vegetables. He was in the garden every day growing his own fruit and vegetables then digging them up himself to eat."

An announcement on the company website read:

The STA-LOK Terminal was developed in Ivor's garden shed, in an era without technology, an era where everything was crafted by hand - a great testament to Ivor's engineering skill.

Encouraged by the performance of the STA-LOK Terminal, Ivor applied for and was granted Lloyds approval and gained the support of Yacht riggers, boat builders and yacht owners around the world for which he was forever grateful.

Manufacturing was one of Ivor's passions; he was immensely proud to have established a British manufacturing company STA-LOK Terminals Ltd and of the staff who worked for him over the years, to achieve his vision.

Part of this vision was to develop international markets and in 2006 this was realised with the incorporation of STA-LOK TERMINALS Inc in the USA. With the support from customers and dedication of staff, STA-LOK has today become an established part of the American marine industry.

Ivor continued to work well into his 80's and provided support as Chairman, until his passing.

A great family man, he founded his business on family values, which to this day continues to employ many family members. He was especially proud to welcome his grandson James into the company in 2019 continuing his legacy.

An inspirational man, a brilliant mind. Much loved.

Rest in Peace.

The Barfield Family

Ivor Barfield is survived by Donna, twins Terry and Kathryn and grandchildren James and Helen. While the funeral will be a private affair due to pandemic restriction, Ivor supported St Helena Hospice, so should anyone wish to make a donation they can do so here...