A Rochdale businessman died in a motorcycle crash the day before he was due to take his test.
Stephen Grindrod died aged 57 following the collision in Lancashire.
He co-founded Rochdale based Salt Separation Services with Kevin Shackleton in 1990, providing water purification technology to the cruise ship industry, offshore oil and gas sector and the Royal Navy.
Mr Grindrod had only recently started riding motorbikes, and was on a lesson with his instructor when he crashed, on the Grane Road, between Blackburn and Haslingden.
He had been due to take his test the day after, BusinessLive reports.
An investigation has been launched into the accident.
Mr Grindrod's eldest daughter Sarah Grindrod said the family took consolation from the fact he died doing what he loved and had never been happier.
She said: “He was looking forward to the arrival of his first grandchild in December and his younger daughter’s wedding next year.
“He always liked trying new things. He’d recently flown in a Spitfire and had hired a yacht for a day. His attitude was ‘go big or go home’.”
She has now become a director of the Gorrel Street based firm following her father's death.
Ms Grindrod continued: “He was strong willed, stubborn and always right. He didn’t do things by halves.
“He’d only just got involved in motorbikes but wanted to pass his test so he could join his friends on biking tours to Europe.
“The response to his death has been overwhelming. It’s hard to adjust to life without him but we do take comfort from the fact he was the happiest he’d ever been when he died.”
Director Daniel Shackleton, son of Kevin Shackleton, said: “I’d known Stephen for more than 30 years and he had a fantastic work ethic.
"Having started the business in 1990 he was a mentor to me as well as being the perfect foil as a co-director and business partner.
“He had time for everyone and was very hands-on.
"Salt Separation Services was like part of his extended family which is why everyone has been touched by the tragedy.”
Mr Grindrod is survived by his wife Janine and their three children Sarah, Michael and Laura.
