The property world was shattered last week by the sudden death of Peter Shannon. Peter was known in the business as the "great giant" and commanded enormous respect from his peers in the industry for his professionalism and deep sense of integrity. While he had an enormous physical presence, as evidenced by his large frame and deep voice, he was also the most gentlemanly of individuals and those of us in the industry who were privileged to know him and worked with Peter were always left with the distinct impression of having done business with a man who was unfailingly kind and courteous to his fellow colleagues.

Peter was education at C.U.S. in Leeson Street and always held his alma mater in high esteem. He was an active member of its past pupil's union and acted for a number of years as its honorary treasurer.

Upon leaving school, he spent some time working in the insurance industry before deciding to embark on a career as a chartered surveyor. He graduated from the College of Technology, Bolton Street, in 1970 and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1973. He was also an active member of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute for many years.

He subsequently worked in Hamilton Osborne King before joining Jones Lang Wootton as a senior valuer. He left JLW to join Tommy Lombard in private practice before setting up his own firm, Shannon & Company, in August, 1985.

His firm quickly gained a reputation for good, objective, professional advice and he very quickly built up a substantial clientele with the help of his personal assistant, Alison Cantwell.

The large number of people both in property and in industry generally who attended his funeral was adequate testament to his standing in the professional and business community.

Peter was singularly fortunate in marrying Catriona Ireton, a solicitor, and they were blessed with three children, John, Sarah and Jean. Peter was a devoted family man and always had the right balance between business and family commitments.

Peter was always very talented with his hands and his house and furniture were evidence of his high standard of craftsmanship.

Peter spent his last night at a party surrounded by his many friends and those who knew him well would know that this would be the way he would like to be remembered. To his wife, Kate, his son, John, and daughters Sarah and Jean, we would like to offer our sincere sympathy. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues in the property world.

P.S.H.