Tributes pour in following death of 'true gentleman'

BUSINESS TITAN ALSO A MUCH-LOVED FIGURE

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

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. 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 and being 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.”