Tributes pour in following death of Preston marina founder

Chris Miller died at home on September 25 after a short illness. He was 76.

He leaves a widow Val, and children Chris, Suzanne and Steven.

Preston Marina posted on social media: “It is with enormous sadness that Preston Marina announces the passing of our company founder Chris Miller after a short illness.

“Chris will be remembered for his absolute commitment to delivering first class service to the boating community of Preston and the North West of England, with warm humour and generosity but most of all with dedication and sheer hard work – work that he loved.

“He will be greatly missed.”

His funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Penwortham, on Thursday at 1pm.

Family flowers only have been requested.

Donations can be made to his beloved Preston Sea Cadets via Penwortham Funeral Service, Liverpool Road, Penwortham.

His daughter Suzanne said: “My dad had time for everybody. I’ve never heard a bad word said about him.

“We will do him proud at the funeral.”

Lewis Birch said on Facebook: “Very sad to lose such a genuine and down to earth man.”

Barry Murphy said: “Chris was always our go-to guy for solid common sense advice on sailing, backed up by a wealth of hard won experience.”

Preston Marina will be closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect.

The marina, operated by Chris and his family since 1990, has fully serviced pontoon berths, a boatyard, a chandlery and lifestyle shop and its very popular waterside coffee shop.