Highly respected dairy farmer Derek Mead, who died on Sunday, was a 'farming hero' and was 'hugely passionate about tourism and the leisure economy, standing up for many businesses in North Somerset.'
72-year-old Mr Mead from Somerset died on Sunday after a 'tragic accident' involving his tractor.
It is understood that Mr Mead was crushed by a JCB farm loader after a dog is thought to have entered the cab and accidentally started the vehicle.
He leaves behind his family, who run the award-winning Puxton Park countryside attraction near Weston-super-Mare.
'Hugely passionate'
John Turner, CEO of Visit Somerset, paid tribute to Derek Mead. He said the whole board at Visit Somerset is saddened by the news.
He said: "I know that I can speak on behalf of the whole board at Visit Somerset in saying that we are all shocked and saddened by the news of Derek's untimely death and out deepest condolences and thoughts are with Derek's family at this awful time."
"Derek was hugely passionate about tourism and the leisure economy, standing up for many businesses in North Somerset and the county, ensuring that all those in power understood the importance of our visitor economy.
"Derek was also a successful farmer championing local food and drink and an astute businessmen who created Puxton Park, which now has become one of the great jewels in Somerset’s tourism crown, to which the Visit Somerset team have had the pleasure of working alongside for many years.
"This is a very sad day for the tourism industry and for the farming community in Somerset, we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Derek for all his efforts over the years, which I know will go down in history, as one of the reasons we now have a thriving and growing visitor and food and drink economy."
'Legend'
In a statement the Mead family, who have been farming in Somerset since the 1400s, described the death as a 'terrible loss'.
They said: "It is with heavy hearts that we have to let you know that our father and grandfather, Derek Mead, was killed in a tragic accident on his farm.
"He was doing what he loved and has been doing since he was a young boy.
"The family thank you for all your kind messages during this time."
Conservative councillor Martin Williams said: "We may have been on opposite sides of the council chamber but we always had a good laugh afterwards.
"Every time you saw me you would shake my hand and tell me, 'I'll have you lot one day!'
"Legend, I'll miss you loads mate. Sleep well."
'Larger than life'
North Somerset Council said: "The tragic death of Councillor Derek Mead has come as a terrible shock to us all.
"Councillor Mead had a range of business interests and was passionate about the area where he lived and worked.
"He had great energy and enthusiasm, always striving to make a difference in bringing growth to the local economy and never shrinking from challenging members and officers on behalf of his constituents.
"He was a larger than life character who will be greatly missed."
Rupert Cox, chief executive of the Bath and West Show has said he was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mr Mead, who had sponsored the show.
"He was at the show for two days last week we had a great chat," he said.
"He'll be a great loss to the farming community, he had an extremely active and busy life, it’s very sad."
