The Midland property world is reeling following the sudden death of well-known developer Dick Hickton.
Mr Hickton, who was 60, is thought to have suffered a heart attack.
A co-founder of Barberry Properties, Mr Hickton was the current chief executive of Worcestershire-based property company Maximus.
He was acknowledged to be one of the Midlands’ most colourful characters.
Besides being a successful developer he was also a chicken farmer producing 120,000 birds every 40 days for Morrisons. His family still has a presence at Birmingham’s markets.
A classic car fan, he had planned earlier this year to drive a vintage Jaguar from London around the world, stopping off at Auckland, Seattle and Boston, and then back to London on a container ship. Unfortunately the plans had to be cut short.
He was also a keen sailor and a long-standing supporter of Moseley Rugby Club.
