Anthony Moyes

ANTHONY Moyes, an academic with a “passionate commitment to the improvement of Leeds”, and who was honoured by the Queen, has died.

Originally from Croydon, Dr Moyes MBE – better known as Tony – became an adopted Yorkshireman after moving north following the Second World War.

A chemical engineer by trade, he was a founding member of Leeds Civic Trust, the first person to chair its blue plaque scheme and the head of the fundraising committee that purchased the trust’s current home in Wharf Street.

Dr Moyes also volunteered as a guide at Fountains Abbey, in Ripon, for 21 years and chaired University of Leeds Industrial Service Limited, raising funds for the university by commercialising the work of academics.

His widow Doreen, 80, said: “He was a gentleman to everybody, he didn’t care who he was speaking to, he would treat them with the same courtesy as he would the Queen herself.”

In 2002, Dr Moyes was recognised with an MBE in the Queen’s New Year honours list for his voluntary work.

His career saw him named European director of engineering for a large American international corporation and was vice president of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, from 1972 to 1974, before his retirement in 1986.

Dr Kevin Grady, director of Leeds Civic Trust, said: “He had a long-standing passionate commitment to the improvement of Leeds and he made an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Leeds Civic Trust.”

Dr Moyes passed away after a short illness on January 19. He is survived by his wife Doreen, his children Martin and Jill, stepchildren Rachel, Jason, Mark and Paul, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.