Estate agent Malcolm Hawkesford, known to many through the chain of estate agents he set up in 1991, died suddenly at his home early on Monday aged 58.

Although his name was familiar to househunters around Warwick, Leamington and Southam, he was also well known as a keen sportsman and an auctioneer involved in charity fundraising.

Fellow estate agent Mike Barnwell had known Mr Hawkesford since the pair went to Warwick School together. He said: “Malcolm packed more into his life than most of us will pack into two or three lives.

“He was a fantastically generous man, a wonderful family man and a great friend. He was so much part of Warwickshire life for our generation and for many other people too.

“I don’t think there will be a church in Warwickshire big enough to hold his funeral.”

A chartered surveyor and qualified auctioneer, Mr Hawkesford was a keen cricketer, rugby player and footballer. He had acted at school and also played the guitar.

Mr Hawkesford’s friend John Elson, 56, had known him for 43 years. He said: “He was the first name on the list at any social event in the area. He was everybody’s best friend.

“Malcolm was a fantastic man to know. He was so full of life; the worst thing he could have done was to sit down for a minute.

“He was always wanting to be doing something, whether it was sporting activities, looking after his animals at home or taking care of his family. It was an honour to be his friend.”

Hawkesford director Jon Gregory said: “His auctions were something of an entertainment.

“He was an artiste when he was auctioneering. He could command a room.

“Anybody who had ever worked with Malcolm held him in the highest regard. People like him don’t come along very often.”

At home, Mr Hawkesford kept a small herd of rare Dexter cattle.

He had also become a keen sailor and his son James Hawkesford has fond memories of holidays spent on boats with family and friends. James, 33, said: “He was a great father and a great family man. He looked after us fantastically well.

“It is such a shame that he died just as he was taking life a bit more easily.”

Mr Hawkesford leaves a wife, Annette, son, James and two daughters, Amy, 30, and Alison, 26. He had recently become a grandfather.

For details of the funeral service contact Hawkesford estate agency in Euston Place, Leamington on 430553 or go to www.hawkesford.co.uk

Mr Hawkesford’s family has asked for donations to be made to the RNLI.