Simon Pease

Born in Leeds, Mr Pease was an English Schools 1500m champion. He won a middle-distance running athletics scholarship in the mid 1980s to study for an accountancy degree at Rice University, Texas.

On his return to the UK in 1990, Mr Pease joined Arthur Andersen of Leeds, where he met his future wife Alex, a fellow accountant.

From Arthur Anderson he went to Leeds-based Binder Hamlyn and then Riley & Co in Halifax. In 1999 he moved to DSC, then known as David Smith Crosswaite.

He became a partner in 2001.

Mr Pease, who developing cutting-edge tax schemes, combined a calm and charming manner with sharp business insights. Together with DSC senior partner, John Campbell, he helped drive the practice's growth in the business community.

More than 200 colleagues, clients, friends and fellow professionals attended his funeral in St John's Church, Bilton.

John Campbell expressed the shock many felt at his death at so young an age, adding: "I am sure that he had not yet reached his full potential and, given time, would have achieved much more in the firm and in his professional and family life."

He is survived by his wife and their three children.