John Cottingham, the former head of the #30 million Mark Insulations Group, has died aged 68.
A well-known figure in the insulation industry, Mr Cottingham passed the reins of his business to his son Lee six months ago after he began suffering from ill health.
The company, which has its headquarters in Leicester and branches across the Midlands, was formed in 1974 by Mr Cottingham, his wife Kathleen, who is currently director and company secretary, and his two brothers, Michael and Tony.
John Cottingham managed the company for more than 30 years, establishing it as the largest domestic insulation contractor in the UK, with 11 depots, 500 staff and a new headquarters in Leicester.
He recently said: "The company would not be where it is today without the dedication of the team that made it all possible. I am proud that there is a new generation capable of taking over the reins, and that many of our supervisors, managers and directors have been with us for many years and grown with the company."
In a statement, his family said they were proud of his achievements and he would be sadly missed by his widow Kathleen and two sons, Lee, and Mark, who is manager of the company's new build divisions.
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John Reah, land director at David McLean Homes, has died at the age of 52.
Mr Reah had been with the company - formerly Jennings Homes - for ten years. The company said he died suddenly and unexpectedly as a result of a brain haemorrhage, at his home in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Eric Wood, former managing director of Jennings Homes and a personal friend of Mr Reah, said: "The news has come as a terrible shock and I have not only lost a great business partner but an even greater friend.
"John was an extremely respected man in the property industry, whose knowledge and experience with land and planning matters was second to none. On behalf of everyone, we of will miss him very, very much and our love goes out to Isobel and John's family."
Tony Hancock, managing director of David McLean Midlands, said: "John will be dearly missed; he was a great friend and colleague to many people at the company. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with John's wife, Isobel and their children."
The family has requested no flowers but people instead can make a donation to The Neurological Unit at the University Hospital of North Staffs if they wish.
