A MECHANIC in Dursley is finally hanging up his tools after spending almost seven decades under the bonnet.
Howard Steele, who recently turned 80, has announced his retirement from Dursley Garage after an incredible 65 years of service.
As a result, Howard, who has owned the much-loved Kingshill garage for 54 years, has also announced that the business will close at the end of the month on Friday, July 28.
Howard's involvement with the garage first began as a car-mad 15-year-old working evenings and weekends for then-owner Bill Whittard before he left Dursley Secondary Modern School.
He spent many years working as a mechanic before eventually taking over the company in 1969 with co-owner Gerald Ball for 13 years. Howard eventually became the sole owner in 1982.
As a car enthusiast, he enjoyed motor racing, and became a familiar face at local circuits while racing a Sebring Sprite and a two-litre Marcos.
He once even held the two-litre GT lap record at Castle Combe Circuit.
In an interview with the Gazette in the 1980s, he stated, "I like Dursley and Dursley people, and one thing is certain, I intend to stay in the town to cater to the needs of local motorists for many years to come."
Howard, who was born in Dursley and raised in Cam, married Liz and had two children together, Debs and Matthew. They now have three grandchildren, Jemima, Evie-Mai and Austin.
Liz asked the Gazette to write an article about Howard's retirement because he "would never blow his blow his own trumpet."
She said: "Howard is a very reticent person and would never blow his own trumpet, so we'll have to do it for him!
"He has very gradually been stepping back, more recently leaving the day-to-day running of the garage to mechanics Kevin and Simon, who themselves have now been working at the garage for over 30 years.
"We would like to thank all those who have supported the team and business over the years and will be celebrating the end of an era on Friday, July 28.
"Friends and loyal customers are invited to call in and join them at the garage, from 2pm to 4pm, to say farewell and share a final cup of tea."
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