Tributes to business champion and ‘true gentleman’

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Keith White - a “true gentleman” and one of the titans of Plymouth business, who has died at the age of 85.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Mr White was best known as a key figure at renowned South West jewellery business Michael Spiers, where he had been involved since the 1960s.

He was loved and respected as a kind and generous man, always well dressed and with a passion for sport. Business people praised him as a mentor and “father figure” and he received a standing ovation when he was given the inaugural lifetime achievement award by Plymouth-Live/The Herald in 2011 at the Plymouth Business Awards.

And he was equally lionised as a sportsman. Mr White was honoured with an MBE for services to sport, having done so much for squash in the South West as well as being a top player.

Today staff at Plymouth-headquartered Michael Spiers paid tribute by saying: “We are heartbroken to lose such an extraordinary man who has meant so much to our company, our community, and his family.”

On social media dozens of people paid their respects. Former editor of The Herald, Paul Burton, now of Plymouth’s PB Media, said: “Keith was an absolute gent. A lovely, lovely man.”

Jonathan Gliddon remembered a “coach, mentor, confidant, father figure and friend” and said: “A legend of a man. I will miss him so much.”