HE was the Q in DIY giant B&Q.

Now tributes have poured in for the gifted Hampshire entrepreneur who has died aged 73.

David Quayle was celebrating his wife Chrissie’s birthday on-board a luxury cruise ship off South Africa when he collapsed and died later of a suspected heart attack.

Described as the “outstanding businessman of his generation”, he founded the DIY chain with Richard Block, opening their first store in Portswood Road, Southampton, in 1969.

His business success continued with Ritz Video – at one stage the second biggest video retailer in the world – which was later bought by Blockbuster.

Hampshire businessman Khalid Aziz said: “He was one of the outstanding businessmen of his generation, not only for having a genuine radical idea to create B&Q, but also for the business acumen to build it up and then sell what is one of the leading businesses in the world.”

Mr Quayle, a passionate supporter of the arts, founded the Beatrice Royal gallery in Eastleigh in 1999 and also financed West End musicals such as Starlight Express.

His son, Ed, 28, said his father was eating at a seafood restaurant onboard P&O’s Aurora when he excused himself.

He collapsed outside the eatery and despite being revived by the ship’s medical staff, later died on April 6.

He said: “It’s obviously devastating to lose someone that is so close to you. It really hurts when you realise you won’t see him again, he’s left a big whole in everyone’s life.”

“The sadness comes in waves, you feel alright when you have something to do but it’s when you stop and reflect and remember all the things he brought to you, like the lessons and showing you how to live your life.”

“He would not show you masses of affection, me or anyone, but he was enormously generous both with his time and resources – that’s borne out by his philanthropy.”

Mr Quayle, of Edgar Road, Winchester, is survived by wife Chrissie, six children – Simon, 49, Trudie, 48, Jon, 43, Jo, 40, Ali, 38 and Ed, 28 – and 12 grandchildren.

A memorial service is being held at Winchester Cathedral on Friday, May 7.