Chartered surveyor and business owner Martin Bloomer was born in 1954 and died last year aged 66.

The only son of Harry and Joan Bloomer, he attended Hillstone prep school in Malvern before joining

Michell. After studying estate management at Reading and becoming a chartered surveyor, Martin worked for Cluttons first in Canterbury, then London and the Middle East.

Martin returned to the West Midlands in 1980 working for two local firms before becoming a partner in a West Bromwich practice in 1987. In 2001 he set up Martin Bloomer Associates in Dudley, which rapidly became one of the Black Country’s leading commercial property management companies.

A devoted family man, Martin married Wendy in 1979, and nothing meant more to him than his wife and their sons James and Andrew. He always had time for family and friends, often offering help before it was asked for, and was respected by young and old alike for his common sense, generosity and good humour.

Martin was a man of many parts. He enjoyed all manner of sports, played hockey from his schooldays, was an avid cricket, rugby and football fan, and loved to play tennis for the sheer fun of it. A true hunter gatherer, he was a passionate and keen fly fisherman, never happier than when standing up to his waist in a river, stalking a deer, sharing his love of wine, or talking of surveying.

Martin was a supporter of the Arnold Foundation, took part in the Global Pass in 2017 and attended 450th Celebrations at the School, meeting old and new Rugbeians. He was in his element and spent all day reminiscing.

The kindest of men, Martin was a true gentleman and often mentored people starting out in their careers. He was drawn into charity work through his Masonic connections including the OR Lodge, and was very proud of ‘Harry’s Café’ a Brierley Hill charity which received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service just before he died in post as Chairman. He made a huge difference to the charity helping to lead it to fulfilling its potential in a needy part of the Black Country, his legacy for the future.

Martin died at home, just short of a year after his diagnosis of cancer. He is survived by his Wendy, James, Andrew and their families.

Adapted from a contribution by Wendy Bloomer. By sisters Fiona and Seraphina Granelli