Updated: THE man who chaired York’s top conservation organisation for 38 years has died, aged 92.

Dr John Shannon CBE died early yesterday at Lime House residential home in Poppleton, after falling ill with pneumonia a fortnight ago, said his son, Michael.

As chairman of York Civic Trust, Dr Shannon is credited with playing a major part in conserving the city’s heritage, most notably through the refurbishment of Georgian buildings Mansion House, in St Helen’s Square, and Fairfax House in Castlegate, which was neglected before being bought and restored by the trust in the early 1980s.

Fellow trustee and close friend June Hargreaves said he was also closely involved in other major achievements, including the closure of Deangate, near York Minster, to traffic.

She said: “For more than 40 years, the name John Shannon has been synonymous with preserving and enhancing the character of York.

“He was born in the city and, apart from a period in the navy during the Second World War, he continued to live and work in his native city.”

She said he was a senior partner at Munby and Scott solicitors, of Blake Street, and used the legal knowledge he gained to the benefit of the trust.

He was also a city councillor for a short period and became Sheriff in 1953/54. “He was an excellent public speaker and a skilled photographer,” she said.

Dr Shannon received an honorary doctorate from the University of York in 1976, and was awarded an OBE and then later a CBE.

In 2002, a year after he retired as trust chairman, he became an Honorary Freeman of the City of York.

The then Lord Mayor of York, Coun Irene Waudby, said during a ceremony at Mansion House that his impact on city life had been almost unrivalled.

When Dr Shannon retired in 2001, he told The Press he believed the city had changed for the better.

He felt one of the most significant developments during his time in office had been the Esher Report, which the trust had part-sponsored, and which had resulted in the rejuvenation of the city centre.

Dr Shannon, whose wife, Diana, died in 1987 and eldest son, Robin, died in 1985, leaves one son, Michael and a daughter, Felicity.

• Details of Dr Shannon’s funeral will be announced later.