A KEY former clay company expert and keen fisherman Dennis Mitchell has died at the age of 91.

The retired scientist worked for the Watts, Blake and Bearne Company, which became WBB, producing ball clays and china clays.

In 1993, he was awarded the CBE for his work in the fields of fishing and water, specifically for his work with the then National Rivers Authority, now the Environment Agency.

His relatives remember him as a ‘dedicated’ and supportive family man.

Daughter Erica Dixon said: ‘We had visitors from different parts of the world and whenever there was a celebration, he would grab the opportunity to have all the family together.

‘Especially in his latter years, he was always keen on keeping the family in touch.

‘He was very attentive and any time there was a reason to celebrate, it was party time.

‘He was very good at making people feel comfortable and valued, he felt everyone had a place in this world and accepted people for who they were.

‘He was a huge presence in our lives and a lot of peoples’ lives.’

He joined WBB in 1956, aged 25, recruited from the British Ceramic Research Association in Stoke On Trent.

At the time, a technical understanding of ball clays was beginning to emerge after the end of the Second World War and his job was to undertake scientific research into the properties of ball clay.

Much of the focus of his work was on the performance in the manufacturing processes and the development of blends of clay.

During his early career, he spent time with customers in the UK and Europe, advising their top teams. He played a major role in the company’s growth in the 1960s and 70s during which the firm went public and merged with other Devon ball clay producers to become the largest UK producer.

During this time, Dennis built a very competent technical team with industry-leading expertise, playing a vital role in modernising companies.

Aside his technical knowledge, he was known as a great believer in the power of singing.

For example, towards the end of the closing dinner of a conference held in Santiago de Compostela, Dennis felt the international groups would benefit from a sing-a-long.

So, he organised group community singing of a host of songs including the French Frere Jacques and, for the English, one of Dennis’ favourites On Ilkley Moor Bar t’At.

Dennis also played a key role in WBB’s further expansion with joint ventures in the Far East, the US, Portugal and Ukraine.

He became technical director in 1972 and was group deputy managing director in 1985 before retiring after 40 years in 1995.

He was also a director of the British Ceramic Research Association and president of the Institute of Ceramics.

Dennis was described as having a ‘broad and enlightened view of the world’ and was engaged with all aspects of the business.

His ‘understated intelligence and rationality, unclouded by prejudice, and his interest in other people, meant he commanded wide respect’.

In 1974, he was appointed member to the board of the South West Water Authority. Later he became a member of the committee set up by the government to advise on the formation of the then National Rivers Authority and was  appointed to its board.

As ‘father’ of the Lower Teign Fishing Association, Dennis spent much of his life helping the organisation. He was also involved with Dart Fisheries and Conservation Association, as chairman for 20 years and members said he will be ‘hugely missed’.

Dennis was also a lifelong member of the Dart Angling Association which said it was ‘going to miss his vast and hugely valued fisheries knowledge’.

He leaves Erica and her brothers Simon and Nicholas Mitchell and five grandchildren.