He was a 'force of nature' who sailed the world, fought for employees and set up a string of companies across Norfolk and Suffolk.
But for Peter Colby, his hometown of Lowestoft would always remain "very close to his heart".
In recent decades, the businessman dedicated much of his time to projects promoting the town of his birth.
Ten years ago, his campaign to secure a third river crossing – and his unique barrage scheme designed to alleviate congestion and bring business to the area – attracted a great deal of media attention and public support.
Following his death at the age of 81, family and friends have been remembering the mark the entrepreneur left on the region.
Mr Colby was born in Pakefield on February 13, 1942, to George, a herring fisherman, and Beatrice.
As a boy, he attended Alderman Woodrow in Lowestoft and after leaving school at the age of 14-years-old he went to HMS St Vincent naval training college in Portsmouth.
Not being particularly fond of rules and regulations, his naval career was shortlived, and he returned to Suffolk where he got a job as an apprentice at Days garage - the beginning of a varied career.
In the early 1970s he started buying and selling trucks and in 1974 set up Peter Colby Commercials
Always with an eye for business opportunities, the 1980s saw him establish Port Link, a company which ran ferries between Great Yarmouth and Scandinavia and which he eventually sold to Stena Line.
Peter Colby Commercials moved to Wymondham and subsequently Sprowston and continued to grow and thrive. The firm built its roots in haulage and vehicle hire through the twin companies of Norfolk Trucks and Collease Truck and Trailer Rentals before gradually diversifying into property and other businesses.
The company - now called St Vincent Holdings - employs 285 people across the UK, the majority in Norfolk and Suffolk.
In 2012, he campaigned with Labour's parliamentary candidate for Waveney, Bob Blizzard, and drew up plans to build a £30m tidal barrage and road crossing over Lake Lothing in a bid to improve Lowestoft's transport links and stimulate economic growth.
He bought Lowestoft Magistrates Court in 2019 and asked people for their ideas on how to redevelop the building which had been derelict for three years.
At the time, he said: "Ultimately I want to create jobs because, in my opinion, Lowestoft needs employment."
His daughter Hannah Colby said: "He was so well-respected. He did an awful lot for everybody. His main focus was keeping everyone in employment.
"He believed wholeheartedly people should always be given opportunities.
"For all of his achievements he never forgot where he came from, who he was.
"He would talk to anyone, regardless of social status. He was as comfortable having a chat with the mechanics in his workshops as he was with the directors of major international truck manufacturers.
"He was known for wandering around wearing a pair of old sailing trousers and a polo shirt with his name on it."
Outside of work, Mr Colby's main passion was sailing. According to his daughter, he had "saltwater in his veins instead of blood".
From 1999 to 2002, he was commodore of the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club and every Saturday could be found at the club with his friends.
Hannah said: "He was a man who lived every single moment of his life. He was a huge force of nature and had a generosity of spirit. He had a mercurial temperament, boundless imagination and innovation and passion.
"Above all, he was a giant among men."
Mr Colby died on Sunday, January 14, at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after a period of ill health.
He is survived by a close and loving family.
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