Simon Scrope

His family were a force in England before the Norman Conquest and subsequently became active in Wensleydale from the early 14th century.

Between the reigns of Edward II and Charles I the Scroope family (as it was then spelt) produced an Archbishop, two Bishops, one Lord High Chancellor, two Chief Justices, four Treasurers, five Knights of the Garter, two Earls and 20 Barons.

Simon Scrope loved racing and played important roles at York and Pontefract. He was a formidable shot with rifle and shot-gun, an astute fisherman and respected huntsman. He was a renowned expert on trees, shrubs, birds and other wildlife.

He was born in London to Richard Scrope better known as Dick, who divided his time between the City, where he had an insurance brokerage business, and Yorkshire. During the war Simon, with younger sister Elizabeth, were brought up by their mother, Lady Jane Egerton, daughter of the Earl of Ellesmere.

Educated at Gilling Castle and Ampleforth College, Simon Scrope developed a love of history and was a proud winner of the college general knowledge prize. He hunted with the Ampleforth College Beagles as Master for two seasons.

National Service was spent with the Coldstream Guards with whom his father had served and his son Harry would eventually serve. A lifelong appreciation of the Armed Forces ensued, best reflected in an endless interest in military history.

From the Army, he read land management at Trinity College, Cambridge. He became Joint Master of the Trinity Foot Beagles while further adding to a wide circle of loyal and life-long friends.

He then followed his father into insurance, becoming chairman of the brokers Richards Longstaff; a position he held for over 30 years.

He personally took care of the insurance requirements of numerous landed estates across the country. This expertise among many other qualities made him a long serving trustee of Swinton Park, Masham, Burton Agnes Hall, Bridlington and Mertoun near Kelso; family seat of his uncle the Duke of Sutherland.

He was chairman of various charitable trusts, and for many years was a director of the St John and St Elizabeth independent London hospital.

His love of horse racing resulted in 23 years as a member of the York Racecourse Committee, during which time he helped undertake major developments including the creation of the Melrose, Knavesmire and Ebor stands. For 11 very happy years he was also chairman of Pontefract racecourse. Nearer to home he particularly savoured a morning on the Middleham gallops with highly respected local trainers such as Mark Johnston.

His wife Jane, daughter of former Yorkshire County Cricket Club chairman Sir Kenneth Parkinson, shared his enjoyment of racing, stalking and gardening. He shared her love of music which would be a great comfort to him in his final years. A lifelong appreciation of fine art, particularly Rembrandt, Titian and Caravaggio, would also be fulfilled in later life.

The couple had known each other from childhood, and were married in 1970 at The Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks.

When not in a grouse butt, Simon Scrope was happiest waging war against the weeds in his garden or planting trees in his much-prized parkland.

During his tenure at Danby, he greatly enhanced the 1,500-acre estate with an extensive tree-planting programme.

His Canadian Red Willows, pollarded every second year, now adorn the garden of many a friend.

He cared deeply for the countryside, and for countrymen. He was a member of the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, and a Trustee of the Marrick Priory Outdoor Education Centre in Swaledale.

When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over 10 years ago, only his closest family were told, to avoid unnecessary fuss. He remained determined to continue as active a life as he possibly could for as long as was humanly possible.

His resolute dignity became a byword for inspiration amidst increasing adversity.

In Simon Scrope were combined deep religious faith, fortitude and humour. He possessed an inquiring mind and his meticulous attention to detail was well renowned.

He did not suffer fools gladly. Renowned as a firm mediator, he always inspired great loyalty with his courteous and balanced approach.

Simon Scrope is survived by his wife Jane, their son Harry, 35, daughter Emily, 37, and granddaughters, Alice and Tessa.

A Thanksgiving Mass for his life will be held at Ampleforth Abbey on Friday, April 23, which is St George's Day.

A retiring collection will be held for Combat Stress and The Coldstream Afghan Fund.