COLLEAGUES of a businessman who died at Monmouthshire Show last week have paid tribute to his “tireless energy, drive and attention to detail”.

Warren Ardern, a director of County Marquees Ltd, died after collapsing at Monmouth Showground, where he was preparing displays, on Friday July 6.

In a statement on social media, County Marquees said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the sudden passing of one of our Directors, Warren Ardern.

“Warren founded County Marquees with fellow director Stuart in 1990. Prior to that he had farmed and run a fuel and bottled gas distribution business. With Warren’s tireless energy, drive and attention to detail, the business grew to being the success it is today. His son David is now managing director, while daughter Niki and daughter-in-law Danielle are also directors in the business.

“He will be dearly missed by his wife Janet, all his family, his large circle of friends, as well as the many customers and suppliers he has worked with over the years,” the statement added. “As usual, this time of year is extremely busy for us, and it’s business as usual - just as Warren would have wanted.”