Sir Thomas Dunne, a former Lord Lieutenant of Worcester and Hereford for more than 30 years, died on January 6.
Sir Thomas 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.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir Thomas Dunne, KG, KCVO.
“Sir Thomas was an outstanding public servant whose dedication to the role of Lord Lieutenant for over thirty years was exemplary.
“During that time he worked selflessly to represent Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“He served with remarkable distinction, always carrying out his duties with dignity, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to both counties and its people.
“His leadership, kindness and grace made him an inspiration to all who had the privilege of meeting him and working alongside him.
“His loss will be profoundly felt, not just by his family and friends, but by all who admired and respected him.
“On behalf of the people of Worcestershire, I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.”
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.
His Majesty’s 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 thirty 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.”