Pete Marquis death update as business partner vows to 'keep his legacy going and the wheels rolling'

Pete Marquis’ business partner has vowed to continue his legacy by “keeping the wheels rolling” following the 56-year-old’s death last week.

The beloved businessman and philanthropist was found unresponsive on Friday (October 16) following a suspected heart attack at his home at Bryars Farm in Lea, Preston.

His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from friends, business colleagues and associates - and the many charities, individuals and groups who he supported with his famous fundraising efforts.

And Pete’s legacy will continue. His business partner David McMonagle has been appointed director of Pete Marquis Contractors and the 53-year-old says he and the team will “keep the wheels rolling”.

“Thank you for all your lovely messages for our friend Pete Marquis at this really sad time,” he said.

“It has been a massive shock for everyone and we are all finding it very difficult to comprehend the loss of someone so special who touched so many peoples lives.

“A lot of people have called regarding PDM Industries and whether or not we are still open. Please bear with us through these terribly sad times.

“We are continuing to trade and carry on Pete’s legacy to our best ability…..in the same spirit as the big man would have wanted - continuing his legacy and keeping the wheels rolling.”

Pete founded the company in 1991 and over the next three decades, Pete Marquis Contractors had grown into a powerhouse, with his name a familiar sight on his fleet of demolition vehicles, skips, plant and machinery at worksites across the region.

His work made him a prominent figure in the Preston and Fylde business world, but Pete will also be remembered for his many acts of generosity in the local community and beyond.

Philanthropy

Pete devoted more than two decades to raising money for good causes, supporting everything from children's hospices, homelessness, local schools and individuals in need of a helping hand.

He began his fundraising efforts in earnest around 2004 and went on to raise more than £1million for good causes, with charity auctions, balls, tractor runs and his famous ‘Rola-Cola Christmas Truck’ - often generating tens of thousands of pounds in a single evening.

His fundraising supported local organisations including Derian House Children's Hospice, St Catherine's Hospice, Trinity Hospice, Cash for Kids, the Katy Holmes Trust and many more.

But his generosity extended well beyond large-scale fundraising events. Pete regularly supported local schools and community initiatives, including funding a new play area for Treales Church of England Primary School.

He also bought and delivered more than 2,000 Advent calendars each year to children at primary schools across the Fylde area, as well as helping families with the cost of Christmas.