A HIGHLY respected businessman who ran an old city fruit empire will be mourned at his funeral tomorrow, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

Former managing director of Sid Wright Ltd, Peter Bayley Wright, has died aged 82. He is proudly remembered by family and friends for his keen business acumen.

Paying tribute to his father, who dedicated all his working life to the business, David Wright, said: "He was a very caring father and he was interested in people. He had a sharp business mind and he liked to keep up to date with day to day news and goings on. I am very proud of his achievements, I have a lot of respect for him."

Peter, who leaves wife, Joan, children Pauline, Bill and David and six grandsons, joined the business at an early age, leaving only briefly during the Second World War when he served with the RAF.

He was the third generation of the family to become a fruit trader. The business, founded by his uncle, began with a shop called the Bazaar in Eign Street that sold fruit, vegetables and fish and had a cafeteria too.

The company steadily flourished throughout the city and in its hey day included a wholesale warehouse in Little Berrington Street, three shops situated at Whitecross, the Oval at Belmont and Eign Gate, a farm at Kingstone and a depot at Cardiff.

Peter retired from the business 22 years ago and it was passed through the family, but the empire slowly shrank as large supermarket chains arrived in Hereford and has now ceased.

A keen sportsman, he had played cricket for the county and helped found Hereford Golf Club at Wormsley. He retired as trustee shortly before his death. He was also a member of the Old Boys of the Hereford High School for Boys.

His many friends and acquaintances are expected to fill Holmer Church where his funeral takes place tomorrow at 12.30pm.