Tributes follow death of Yorkshire heritage and culture champion Fiona Spiers

She was head of Yorkshire and the Humber Heritage Lottery Fund which has pumped many millions of pounds into the region.

Mrs Spiers leaves a husband, Emeritus Professor Edward Spiers and children, Robert and Amanda. A memorial service to celebrate her life is to be planned later in the year

Today she was remembered by colleagues and organisations as a "force of nature", a formidable woman who was not afraid to ask difficult questions, but never failed to be caring, supportive and kind, with a tireless sense of humour.

She was a former Appeals Manager at St Anne's Shelter and Housing Action before taking on the role of Director of Development at Yorkshire Sculpture Park - where she helped to raise £14.5 million and delivered the award-winning Visitor Centre, landscape restoration and galleries.

But, in her own words, as a ‘poacher turned gamekeeper", she will be best remembered by many for her tireless role for 14 years at the helm of the Heritage Lottery Fund's Yorkshire and Humber team.

From Sheffield to Scarborough, and everywhere in between, she left her mark on heritage projects and organisations.

When she retired in 2017, she fondly remembered some of her favourite projects, including York Minster Revealed and the restoration of the “absolutely glorious” Great Eastern Window.

One grant that held particular resonance for Fiona, was the Leeds Bicentenary Transformation Project run by Leeds West Indian Centre Charitable Trust to commemorate 200 years since the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Her academic background was focused on slavery research and after leaving The Fund she devoted more of her time to charitable work with anti-trafficking organisations.

But it was the transformative effect on places, such as Barnsley, Calderdale, Leeds, Bradford and Richmond that had a significant impact for their communities thanks to a combination of investments, that really touched her.

She was pleased to see the support given to Hull and witness it flourish into the UK City of Culture in 2017.

Mrs Spiers was also instrumental in spearheading a response from The Fund for heritage in a crisis, most notably that of the floods in 2007.

After retiring, she did not lose touch with her passion for heritage and culture, and sat on the Boards and Committees for Rugby League Cares, Leeds Theatre and Opera Group, the Cathedrals Working Group and Leeds City of Culture 2023.

Tributes were led today by Helen Peacock, Engagement Manager at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This lady meant so much to us and had such an impact on us both professionally and personally.

"Fiona was Head of Yorkshire and the Humber for about 14 years and poured everything she had into the role. We could talk tirelessly about the impact she had on the sector, and believe me it's huge.

"For many she was a formidable woman of steel, a shrewd judge of character who often had the measure of a person before they set foot in the room and certainly did not suffer fools gladly. But similarly she was incredibly caring, supportive, and protective of the team."

Katharine Boardman, Engagement Manager, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: "Fiona was a force of nature - committed to improving the heritage sector and making a difference. Her legacy in the sector and those she worked with is far reaching and will be long lasting."

Tom Riordan CBE, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council, said: "Fiona made a huge difference to Leeds and Yorkshire."

Carole Osborne, Projects Officer, Leeds City Council, said: "Not only did she have the knack of managing heritage related matters but I was impressed how she dealt with people. She was such a genuine person and I admired her greatly."

Claire Cox, Head Of Development at Royal Armouries in Leeds, said: "I was blown away by her knowledge of the sector and everyone connected to it. It's fair to say that her advice had a real impact on the Royal Armouries."

Matt Jukes, Chief Executive, Hull City Council, said: "Fiona was of great support to us in Hull for many years, especially during our build up to and our wonderful year as UK City of Culture."

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council Leader, said: " Fiona was a great friend to Bradford and it saddens me that she didn’t get more time to enjoy her retirement having worked so hard."

Graham Riding, Development Manager – Culture, Wakefield Council, said: "We shared a similar outlook about the value of heritage’s impact on our communities. She could be formidable though at times but always fair in her advice."

Robin Tuddenham, Chief Executive, Calderdale Council, said: "Fiona was a feisty, funny and kind person with a fierce intellect, and an absolute passion for heritage and Yorkshire.

"She has left an indelible mark on Halifax, helping us revitalise our town. We will be eternally grateful and will always remember her."

John Hamshere, former long-standing Chief Executive of Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust, said: "SIMT and the industrial heritage of Sheffield owes a great debt to Fiona. The sad news has left me shaken. I owe so much to Fiona both professionally and personally."

Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, CEO, The Piece Hall Trust, said: "Fiona was instrumental in achieving funding for The Piece Hall. Her legacy will live on."

Coun Mumtaz Hussain, Mayor, Kirklees Council, said she had a big impact on the region, helping many organisations and communities. He said: "She touched many lives."

David Renwick, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Fiona had a great sense of humour, was incredibly well networked and knowledgeable of the sector and the region. She’ll be greatly missed but leaves a great legacy through the work she has done for heritage and social justice."