Tributes pour in for Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire killed in helicopter crash

Tributes have been paid to the man who was killed in a helicopter crash near Harrogate this week, who was yesterday named as Barry Dodd CBE – the Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire and well-known businessman who was recognised for his services to the regional economy.

Mr Dodd was the pilot in the helicopter which crashed in a field at Aldborough near Boroughbridge at around 1.30pm on Wednesday. He was the founder of the GSM Group and held the position of chair of York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership until January and was involved in its creation in 2011, also holding the position of CEO.

His wide, Frances Dodd, said: “I am very sad to confirm the news that Barry was tragically killed in a flying accident.

“Barry was a wonderful man. He lived his life according to his values of honesty and integrity. He was intelligent, compassionate and visionary. He enjoyed great business success but just as important to him was his devotion to public service and helping others. He was particularly proud to serve as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.

“More than anything however, he was a loving family man and I will miss him enormously. I will make no further comment and ask that my privacy be respected at this very sad time.”

Mr Dodd took up the role of  Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire in 2014. At the time, the prestigious role came in addition to his then responsibilities as the LEP chairman, pro chancellor and chairman of council at the University of Hull, and his chairmanship of the Global Service and Manufacturing Group (GSM Group) and its subsidiary companies.

As Lord Lieutenant, Mr Dodd was the Queen’s representative in North Yorkshire with responsibilities that included the presentation of decorations, and the organisation of official royal visits.

The honour followed on from the OBE he was awarded in 2006 for services to business and the economy, and the CBE in 2014 for services to the UK economy.

Mike Procter, past president of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, paid tribute, stating: “It is very sad news. Barry Dodd was a great man with a big heart for public service.

“I met him on several occasions, including once sharing a lovely conversation with him over dinner at the Harrogate Business Awards, when he told us a little about his business journey and passion for flying. He took a real interest in the business community in our area and was always ready to offer advice and support to business owners, with the benefit of his own experience.”

A statement published on the North Yorkshire Lieutenancy office website stated yesterday: “The Lieutenancy office has been advised of a helicopter accident yesterday afternoon. Although formal identification is yet to be confirmed it is understood that the single casualty of this accident is Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd CBE.  Clearly this is a tragic event and thoughts are very much with his family and friends. No further information is available at the present time.”

Roger Marsh, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Barry’s family at this difficult time. I’ve known Barry for many years and worked with him during his time as Chair of the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership.

“He was a gentleman and an ambassador for Yorkshire, who was instrumental in helping bring the region to national attention. He will be sorely missed.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Sadly, the pilot of the private aircraft  was pronounced dead at the scene following the helicopter crash near Aldborough yesterday. Whilst we await formal identification, we believe he is Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd CBE.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Mr Dodd’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. The force request the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is conducting investigations into the crash.