Oh dear, he has been around longer than me :-). I only saw him a couple of weeks ago in an old episode of the Bill, actually two or three episodes as he was part of a story that spread out a bit as they often did. That was quite a few years ago and he was looking old then but otherwise just the same.
Had a quick google, seems he was 85, a very reasonable age. A very competent actor who did very well. Good for him. My condolences to his wife and I hope I am right in thinking he has precdeceased her, and their son. Probably grandchildren too.