Stanley, the former managing director of Lone Star Toys, has died aged 98. 

Alan Baxter, an industry colleague and friend of Stan, has paid tribute to Stan, writing: “What an innings! Stan was managing director of Lone Star Toys, which manufactured die cast toys for children. The Lone Star name was chosen because of a demand at the time for toy guns and rifles which became popular due to the Western films then showing in cinemas all over Britain. Stan grew the business by travelling extensively throughout Europe by car, and was extremely knowledgeable about toy distributors in all countries.

Stan had served in the war and had the most miraculous escape from Dunkirk after being in the water twice. He boarded the Fenella which, in a vicious air attack, was hit, keeled over and was only held by her ropes. He crawled through a porthole and back onto the ‘Mole’, jumping onto the Crested Eagle only to have her sunk from under him. He spent several hours in the water before being picked up by the minesweeper Albury, and arrived at Margate the next day.

Stan was a well-known face at all the fairs, with stands at Mount Royal, Harrogate, Brighton, Nuremberg and New York. He served as chairman of the BTMA, and appeared on TV defending the industry and its products. He was one of a kind with his knowledge of the global toy industry. He finished his career as chairman and owner of Eaglet Industries.

Cricket was his favourite sport along with being a Tottenham fan. He was a true gentleman who will be sadly missed, and our thoughts go out to Enid along with Valerie, Neil and grandchildren.”