Tribute to Pete Marquis after businessman and philanthropist dies suddenly at home aged 56

Preston businessman and philanthropist Pete Marquis, who raised more than £1 million for charity and supported good causes across Lancashire, has died aged 56.

His family said Pete died ‘suddenly, but peacefully’ yesterday (Friday, October 17) at his home at Bryars Farm in Lea.

His death has come as a huge shock to his family, friends and colleagues, with hundreds of people across the region mourning the loss of a man known for his generosity and larger-than-life personality.

Pete’s sister Carol confirmed the sad news of her brother’s death this morning.

“Yesterday, my little brother Pete passed away, suddenly but peacefully at home,” said Carol. “It has come as a massive shock to my sister and myself and all of his hundreds of friends and colleagues.

“I have received so many messages of support and love, proving how my brother was a one in a million person.”

He founded Pete Marquis Contractors in 1991, when Pete led a small two‑person team focused on agricultural work. Over the next three decades, Pete had grown his business 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 business community, 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 a range of local organisations, including Derian House Children's Hospice, St Catherine's Hospice, Trinity Hospice, 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.

Turning community service into help for the homeless

Pete even found an opportunity for charitable work following a court case in 2024 involving environmental offences linked to his waste business.

He was sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work, which he completed at homelessness charity Shelter. Rather than treating the experience simply as a punishment, he used it as an opportunity to again raise money for those in need.

He secured corporate sponsorship linked to his community service hours, raising a further £16,200 to help fund meals and support for homeless people.

Pete Marquis will be remembered not only as a successful Preston businessman, but as a philanthropist who dedicated much of his life to helping others.