THE death of Sir Thomas Dunne, a former Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, has been announced.

Sir Thomas died on Monday, January 6. He served as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Hereford and Worcester from 1977, and then from 1998 he became the Lord Lieutenant of both Herefordshire and Worcestershire after the two counties were restored. He retired from the latter role in 2001 but continued his duties as the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire until 2008. He was also the chairman of the Association of the Lord Lieutenant

In 2001 Sir Thomas became chairman of the newly formed Cathedral Council from its first meeting. During his time as chairman, he oversaw an increase in the number of Cathedral prebendaries as just one of his many achievements.

In 1995 he was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and then in 2008 he was made Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter.

The current Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley CBE, said: "I am saddened to hear the news about Sir Thomas Dunne. As His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire I would like to pay tribute to his remarkable tenure as Lord-Lieutenant for over 30 years. During that time, he worked selflessly to represent Her Majesty and to enhance the lives of so many across the counties of both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

“He was respected by everyone who knew him, and my deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and all those who encountered him."

The chairman of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Roger Phillips, added: "Sir Thomas brought great dignity and commitment to public service over many decades, encouraging the military, judiciary, business and community sectors in our county. He combined respect for the position he held with a practical approach and great sense of humour."

Flags at Herefordshire Council buildings have been lowered to half-mast in respect. They will remain at half-mast for the next seven days.

In response to the proposal to lower flags Lady Dunne, commented: “I am deeply touched by this remarkable gesture to honour my dear husband. He lived and breathed Herefordshire, the county he loved.

“He would be very humbled by this response. All our family are so grateful for the affection in which he was held by so many Herefordshire people.”

There will be a service of thanksgiving in due course.