TRIBUTE has been paid to a Herefordshire farmer and former Sun Valley boss after his death.

Robert Corbett was a long-established member of the Herefordshire farming and business community.

The 81-year-old, who died on February 17, farmed arable crops for over 40-years at Newchurch Farm, Kinnersley and worked in leadership roles for several local companies.

Described as an insightful and supportive man, he had a reputation for hard work, problem-solving, and fairness.

Through the 1970s, Mr Corbett worked at Sun Valley Poultry, rising to become its managing director by the end of the decade. The company was one of the biggest employers in Herefordshire by this time.

Hereford Times: Robert Corbett, who has died at the age of 81Robert Corbett, who has died at the age of 81 (Image: Corbett family)

He was involved in Sun Valley’s sale to Cargill in 1980, and he moved to new pastures upon completion of the handover. He became a founding director of Radio Wyvern, coordinated fundraising for Hereford’s first special care baby unit, and was part of the original board of governors of the University of Worcester.

During the 1980s he joined the board of Craven Grain Storage in Shobdon. As chairman, Mr Corbett was tasked with rescuing the cooperative after disastrous financial losses were incurred by the former general manager. Over a five-year period, many civil and criminal litigations were fought, culminating in an historic victory at the House of Lords. Those years spent seeking justice for cooperative members recouped their losses, and Craven Grain Storage Limited still trades successfully today.

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Mr Corbett also owned and ran Hazlehurst Nursing Home near Ross-on-Wye for nearly 30-years. The home joined Hereford Care Homes in 2016, but this only marked semi-retirement for a man who was by then in his seventies.

He continued to run the farm, with its allied contracting and marketing companies, until he was disabled by a severe stroke in 2021.

Mr Corbett leaves Sarah, his wife of over 55 years, three children, and seven grandchildren who all live locally. He was happiest when surrounded by his wide circle of family and friends and he will be sadly missed by many.

The funeral and celebration of his life will be held at 2pm on March 8 at St James Church, Kinnersley. Family flowers only, please, but donations may be made to St Michael's Hospice and the Addington Fund.