Ex-Western International tenants’ front man Peter Heyes died last weekend, aged 66.

Peter and brother John joined the family wholesale company formed by their father in the old Brentford market and ultimately became chairman of the restructured House of Heyes - selling fruit, vegetables and flowers through four separate branches.

He was a particularly active past chairman of Western International Market Tenants’ Association (WIMTA), serving two terms between 1973-79 and 1982-85, and on several committees of the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades Ltd.

In the early 1990s, House of Heyes bought Gerrards chain of 80 greengrocers situated around the Home Counties from Fyffes, but the venture proved unsuccessful and led to the companies’ demise.

Current WIMTA chairman George Bray said: "We are obviously very sad to receive the news of Peter’s untimely death. He is remembered at Western International as a chairman who worked tirelessly and unstintingly towards the common good of the market and its community.

"He was instrumental during the planning phase of the existing market in the early 70s, and it seems very poignant that his death has occurred at a time when the move to our new market site has become imminent.

"Our thoughts are with Deanna and the family during this difficult time."

Peter leaves Deanna, a son, two daughters and several grandchildren.

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