Tributes to true gentleman and chairman who will be huge loss

Wetherby is mourning the loss of one of its most respected community figures following the death of Roger Owen - former Morrisons executive, volunteer, and chairman of Better Wetherby.

- by Nina Swift

Mr Owen died on Friday, June 6 after a short illness, aged 76.

Peter Swales, vice-chair of the Better Wetherby partnership, described him as a great advocate for the town, where he lived for more than 10 years.

He said: "He was very down to earth. He would be able to speak to anybody. He always had a story to tell. He was an absolute gentleman really.

"It's a huge loss to his family, to Better Wetherby and the town."

Well-known across Yorkshire as a key figure in the growth of Morrisons and as an associate director of Bradford City AFC, Mr Owen was equally admired in Wetherby for his tireless community work and passionate advocacy for responsible development through the Better Wetherby partnership.