In pictures: Sir Denis Thatcher

1 of 9 Sir Denis Thatcher, who has died aged 88, was a successful businessman before finding fame as Margaret Thatcher's consort

2 of 9 Denis, then 36, married 26-year-old Margaret Roberts in London in December 1951

3 of 9 Lady Thatcher paid tribute to Denis in her autobiography, saying he was a "fund of shrewd advice and penetrating comment"

4 of 9 Often seen in the background while his wife attracted the attention, his consorts' motto was "always present, never there"

5 of 9 A family reunion: In 1982 Mark Thatcher got lost in the Sahara while taking part in the Paris Dakar Rally

6 of 9 The general election of 1983 saw Denis on the campaign trail once more

7 of 9 Denis was well known for his love of golf, and he often competed in charity events such as this one for a blind charity

8 of 9 Denis celebrated his first honorary degree, from the University of Buckingham, in 2000

9 of 9 A heart by-pass operation in January took its physical toll but he was said to have been in good spirits until the end