‘You’ve left a gaping hole that can never be filled’
TRIBUTES AND TEARS AS HUNDREDS PACK OUT CATHEDRAL TO PAY RESPECTS TO CITY DEVELOPER
A CITY developer who died suddenly in December was described as a “reallife James Bond” at his funeral yesterday.
Hundreds packed into Derby Cathedral to pay their respects to Paul Prime.
Mr Prime, 51, son of well-known city construction magnate Don Prime and his wife Pauline, died on December 13.
The moving funeral was full of tributes, as well as witty anecdotes to Mr Prime, who with his brothers, Errol and Graham, set up Prime Construction Services, and was responsible for developments such as Centurion Way in Alfreton Road and Jubilee Business Park in Stores Road.
Mr Prime’s coffin – the top covered with wreathes of green foliage and dark pink and white flowers – was carried into the cathedral to music from the film Out of Africa. It was followed by close family members.
The congregation was welcomed by Canon Sheana Barby and the service was conducted by the Rev Tony Luke, vicar of Aston-on Trent where Paul Prime once lived before moving to Quarndon.
It was friend Brett Butcher who likened Mr Prime to James Bond because of his “all-round talent for sport”, passion for cars and being “a smart dresser”.
He added: “I have so many great memories.” Mr Butcher also read out a poignant poem called I Lost My Friend.
He read tributes to Mr Prime from his close family, including his widow Gillian. Mrs Prime’s words recalled how Mr Prime had been ill at three months and he was christened because there were fears for his life but that he had gone on to have a life “packing in adventures”.
Mourners heard that Mr Prime had played squash at county level, was passionate about golf and played regularly with friends and family at Kedleston Golf Club. He could water-ski, cycle and ski. Mrs Prime’s tribute ended with the words: “We love and miss you terribly.”
His sons Adam and Matthew had also written a tribute piece that was read out by Mr Butcher. They said they were lucky to have had a father like him and Adam said: “Our dad was very selfless and hard working.”
Matthew’s tribute said they knew their father was proud of them but vowed to make sure he would be “in the future” and added that he had “left a gaping hole that never can be filled.”
Mr Butcher left a tribute from parents Don and Pauline, which had been written as a letter to Mr Prime, until last.
It began, “Dear Paul, I can’t believe these are the last words that I will say to you” and continued by saying how much he meant to them. It added how proud they were of him and how he had “achieved so much”. It concluded with the words: “Our hearts are broken.”
Another long-standing friend, chartered surveyor Peter Milner, who had known Mr Prime for 28 years, also talked about his life and career.
He said: “I remember first meeting a slender-built, polite young man, who with his brothers developed their skills under their father Don and together built the business park on Raynesway in the 1990s.
“They went on to create two iconic city developments – St Mary’s Wharf and Vernon Gate and in ten years pro-
duced 250,000 square feet of commercial spaces, saved four listed buildings and provided buildings to employ 800 people.
“Ten years ago, Paul began the process of developing a landmark office campus in City Road and finally after years of frustration was given planning consent to develop it last year.
“I am proud and honoured to have known Paul. He never went back on his word, delivered on time, stayed calm in meetings and was never aggressive. He was a pleasure to work with. He will be greatly missed.”
Mr Milner also read out tributes penned by brothers Errol and Graham. Errol said: “I didn’t see this coming. You are gone from our lives. You excelled in sport, you were a success and your health was good.
“The Primes are a strong family and we are bound by our love for each other. We will rebuild when we are able but we will miss you forever. Rest in peace dear friend.”
Graham wrote: “On your passing you broke my heart. Mum, dad and Gill have been inundated with cards and messages of sympathy. Not a day will go by when I won’t think of you.” Two hymns were sung during the service – Abide with Me and Jerusalem – and there was time for reflection to Gabriel’s Oboe, by Ennio Morricone.
As the funeral cortege passed out of the cathedral on its journey to a private committal at Markeaton Crematorium, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me by George Michael and Elton John was played, which left many people in tears. Refreshments took place at the Kedleston Golf Club and donations could be given in memory of Mr Prime to mental health charity Mind, The Samaritans and The Salvation Army. An inquest into Mr Prime’s death has been opened and adjourned until a later date by the Derby and South Derbyshire coroner.
He never went back on his word, delivered on time, stayed calm in meetings and was never aggressive. Peter Milner