The former managing director of one of Norwich's most well known businesses has died at the age of 85.

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Jarrold (right) with his wife Waltraud. Picture: Amanda Sandland-TaylorRichard Jarrold (right) with his wife Waltraud. Picture: Amanda Sandland-Taylor (Image: Amanda Sandland-Taylor)

Born in 1934, Richard Jarrold was the second son of John and Grace Jarrold and part of the influential Norwich family. He grew up in Cotman Road, in Thorpe, with his older brother Peter and younger brother Antony.

During the Second World War, he and Peter were evacuated to Westmoreland, before returning to Norwich and attending Old Buckenham Hall School, where he played in the first hockey and football teams.

After postponing National Service, he attended Queens' College in Cambridge, following in the footsteps of his father to gain a degree in natural sciences.

In 1953, he met his wife Waltraud, who was staying in Norwich at the time. The pair were married five years later, in 1958.

Eastern Daily Press: Caroline and Richard Jarrold with the 1928 programme and the recent history book of YMCA Norfolk.For Derek James.Caroline and Richard Jarrold with the 1928 programme and the recent history book of YMCA Norfolk.For Derek James.

After finishing his studies, Mr Jarrold joined the 5th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, stationed in Germany, allowing for him to make frequent visits to his future wife.

With her family living in a village called Winningen, close to the town of Koblenz, Mr and Mrs Jarrold were instrumental in establishing its twinning with Norwich, working tirelessly over three decades to forge strong connections between the two places.

In 1959, he took over the role of managing director of Jarrold Retail, a role he held for more than 30 years.

During this period, he oversaw a major expansion of the London Street department store, extending the business to include fashion and furniture, facilitated by the purchase of the neighbouring corn exchange.

Eastern Daily Press: Service of thanksgiving for the life of Tom Eaton at Norwich CathedralRichard Jarrold arrivingpicture by Adrian JuddService of thanksgiving for the life of Tom Eaton at Norwich CathedralRichard Jarrold arrivingpicture by Adrian Judd (Image: Archant)

Like his brother, he became thoroughly ingrained in the Norwich community, holding several high ranking positions in various organisations.

Among these, he was president of YMCA Norfolk for more than 40 years, chairman of the Assembly House Trust and president of the Norwich Chamber of Commerce, as well as dedicating more than 50 years of his life to the Norwich Rotary Club.

David Hill, executive chairman of Jarrold, said: "Richard has been a shining example to so many in the company, in Norwich and beyond. His passing away, just two weeks after his brother Peter, is immeasurably sad.

"He leaves a lasting and significant legacy within the company and the community of Norwich and Norfolk.

He is survived by his wife Waltraud, daughters Caroline and Michelle, and grandchildren Max, Felix, Elliott, Louisa and Alice.