Tributes paid after death of ex-High Sheriff Peter English
Tributes have been paid to a former High Sheriff of Powys after his death at the weekend.
Peter English MBE was a former magistrate and partner at auctioneers Morris Marshall and Poole, where he worked for more than 40 years.
He also served as High Sheriff of Powys from 1995 to 1996, as chairman of the Montgomeryshire Bench of Magistrates, and was an international hockey referee.
Mr English, 78, was married to Elaine and was well known in Powys – and in Newtown in particular, where he had served on numerous organisations.
Robert Hudson, a partner at Morris Marshall and Poole, said staff were told of his death when they arrived at work yesterday.
Mr Hudson said: "We are both saddened and shocked to hear the news of Peter's death. Everyone is just very numb this morning. Our thoughts are with his family."
A tribute issued by Mr English's family said: "Peter English, 78, a well-known auctioneer for about 42 years with Morris Marshall and Poole, died suddenly at his home in Kerry on Sunday, October 19.
"He served the community well, having been a magistrate and High Sheriff of Powys. His favourite sport was hockey, being President of Wales and an international referee. He will be greatly missed."
Russell George, AM for Montgomery and Powys County Councillor for Newtown, said: "Peter was extremely well known in the community. He was actively involved in numerous projects throughout the area and his death is extremely sad.
"He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are particularly with his family at this current time."
Glyn Davies, MP for Montgomeryshire, knew Mr English for many years. He said: "Peter was a prominent person in the life of Montgomeryshire for all of my lifetime. I first met him as part of Morris Marshall and Poole, but it was through his public work that he was best known.
"He served as High Sheriff and was prominent as a local magistrate."
Police are investigating the death.
A spokesman for Dyfed Powys Police said: "Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a male in the Kerry area.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious."
