Tributes paid to Heywood businessman Peter Cordwell

Tributes have been paid to Heywood businessman Peter Cordwell, who was found dead on his farm following reports of a burglary.
 

Read more: Police are investigating the death of a man following a burglary in HeywoodPublished: 29 October 2020

Mr Cordwell, 48, is believed to have suffered a medical episode following the incident at Collop Gate Farm, Heywood. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he sadly died a short time later.

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to the father of three, who was also known as ‘Creamy’.

His wife, Sharon, wrote: “To say we are totally devastated is an understatement. He was the love of my life. We spent the last 24 year together married for 21 years. 3 kids and an business empire later. I’ll love you for the rest of my life. You were my soul mate."

Eldest daughter Pip, 19, shared a photo of her with her father, writing: “The Man, The Myth, The Legend.” Similarly, sister Penny also shared a photo of them together, adding, "absolute legend."

Son Peter Cordwell Junior also shared a photo of his father, writing: “Rest easy big man. I will do you proud, mark my words!”

Mr Cordwell’s sister, Alison McGuigan wrote: “The pain is literally physical. The shock and anger is palpable. He was so many things to SO many people.

“Thank you to everybody who has sent the most wonderful tributes and messages. I assure you they have meant the world. We knew he was so loved, but seeing the literal outpouring has been so lovely – thank you.

“Right now, we all feel like our world has been ripped up into a million pieces and thrown in the air. It’s just not part of what you expect - to lose such an integral part of your foundations at 48. I hope we get some justice and the scumbags involved get caught, but it won’t bring him back.

“What can I say? I know I’m biased, but I was absolutely privileged to have you as my big brother. You were more than a brother - anybody who knew you knows how irreplaceable you are. You were hilariously funny, generous, friendly, witty, wise and wow did you command a room (although you were as stubborn as a mule!)

“I wish I had got the chance to say goodbye and to tell you how much I loved you, because I keep thinking of all the silly things I used to nag you about and tell you off - I was Mrs “Normalton” - but normal is not a word anybody would ever use to describe you. I remember buying you a card once that said they broke the mould when they made you! And the joke in the card was that it was because they didn’t want another one making. I wish we had that mould.

“It’s a funny thing a big brother, because I have literally never had to navigate this world without you - you have been part of my entire life – ‘Creamy’s sister’ or ‘my little skin and blister’ as you used to say.

“Every single day of my life I have had a big brother and now you are gone and that is absolutely gut wrenching.

"Rest in peace our wonderful and unique PGC.”

Mr Cordwell was well-known throughout the borough of Rochdale, known for his companies Creamy Crete and PGC Demolition, and the many properties he owned, including Collop Gate Farm.

Mr Cordwell had also been involved in a lot of community projects and charity efforts, including raising thousands for Springhill Hospice, giving premises at Ensor Mill to local charity Jolly Josh with 10 years’ worth of free rent, donating to the Save Samantha fund, supporting Rochdale In Bloom, and owning the site where local motorbike group MT Heads hosted rallies.

 

Read more: Jolly Josh charity group receive keys for new permanent homePublished: 04 November 2019

 

Carole Kelly from Jolly Josh wrote: “I’m sure that Pete knew what his generosity meant to me, my family, our Jolly Josh families and professionals but I wish that I’d have emphasised just how grateful we are to him for believing in us, for his support in providing us with a venue to call home. Pete would play down my appreciation, but I really hope that deep down he knew the impact that he had made.

“Pete’s support for our charity grew all the more. One year later, we’ve almost achieved our dream, I’m just so very sorry that Pete won’t be here to celebrate our opening with us, nor to watch us develop the charity. When I first met Pete and Dan in September 2019, I never imagined we’d achieve so much, so quickly. They took our small, newly established charity under their wings and helped us to fly, their passion to support us was embraced by their family and friends, our condolences and thoughts are now with them.

“Now, it’s our time to support Pete, we vow to make him and his family proud, to continue our journey with the gift that he gave us. Pete’s legacy will live on, just as Joshua’s does, at Jolly Josh, and we will always honour his memory.

“We now wish to respect his family and friends time to grieve, offering our thoughts, support, and love.

“We’ll be forever thankful, Pete, such a special, generous and kind man.”

A spokesperson for MT Heads wrote: “All of us at MT Heads are stunned to hear of the passing of Peter Cordwell. Pete owned the rally site and was a huge supporter of everything we did.

“He gave us the opportunity to make our rally bigger and better and we'll never forget his kindness in taking a chance on lending his site to a bunch of rag tag bikers. He didn't just hire us his site, he ensured we had everything we needed and put his workers at our disposal during set-up. We truly couldn't have done it without him.

“It wasn't just us that he helped. If a charity need him, he was there. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his lovely family. He truly was a gentleman. Thank you for everything Peter. You will be missed. RIP.”

Police say officers were called to a burglary – believed to be targeted – at Collop Gate Farm at around 11.15pm on Wednesday (28 October).

The burglars fled the scene prior to officers' arrival. No arrests have been made.

Detective Inspector Julie Maxwell, of GMP's Rochdale district, said: "I would like to start by saying that the investigation team's thoughts are with the man's loved ones and specialist officers are supporting them. We believe the man suffered a medical episode but enquiries are ongoing and a post mortem will confirm the cause of his death.

"Our investigation is in the early stages but we are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding both the death of the man and the reported burglary. I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information, regardless of the perceived significance, to contact us, or Crimestoppers - anonymously, as soon as possible.

"We understand that members of the public may be concerned by this incident. I would like to offer some reassurance by saying that, although we are keeping an open mind, there is evidence to suggest the burglary was targeted. Regardless, extra officers are in the area and will remain for the foreseeable - anyone who is concerned can speak with them."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441 quoting 3023 of 28/10/20 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.