Maxwell Scott, who was the chief executive of the Consumer Legal Association (CLA), died at home in Lancaster on Sunday.
“As everybody at Abbotsford and The Walter Scott Prize attempts to come to terms with such a tragic and sudden loss, we reflect on Matthew’s outstanding contribution to securing the legacy of his ancestor, and for the kindness, generosity and good humour for which he was always known,” continued the statement.
“All our thoughts go to Matthew’s young family, for whom the loss is unimaginable.
“He will be sorely missed.”
A statement from the CLA described him as a “highly respected and highly popular figure throughout the consumer legal industry and beyond.
“We have all lost a friend and a colleague who still had so much more to achieve but our thoughts right now are with his wife, his two sons and family for whom this loss will be far greater.
“They have lost a devoted husband, a proud father and a loving family man.”