Tony Elon Crowther

A MILLIONAIRE businessman has been found dead in the sea after a holiday accident off the Greek coast.
Anthony Elon Crowther, 69, who lived at Carr Hall Castle, Holywell Green, for more than 30 years, died after going for a lunchtime swim off his 37ft-yacht Sonata, which was moored at the Greek holiday town of Koroni.

Mr Crowther, a super-fit grandfather-of-11, was found floating face down in the water by his wife Tina.

Despite her screaming for help to get him out of the water, Mr Crowther was pronounced dead at the scene, with doctors describing it as a tragic swimming accident.

Greek police do not suspect any foul play and his body was released for return to England.

The couple were due to have lunch with best friends Simon and Suzi Stembridge, of Sourdock Hill, Barkisland, the day of Mr Crowther's death and they arrived moments after his body had been taken away.

Mr Stembridge said: "We just couldn't believe it and it still hasn't sunk in.

"We had known Tony for 44 years, are godparents to his children, and his death is devastating. You just go into overdrive and we stayed with Tina trying to help as best we could.

"Tony was the kindest and most generous of men.

"He had time for everybody and was always so interested in people.

"I don't know anybody who has achieved as much as Tony without any show.

"He was a quiet man and a lovely man and will be terribly missed."

Mr Crowther, a father-of-three, was well known throughout the district after his time spent living at Carr Hall, voted Britain's Best Home in 2008. He worked at his grandfather Elon Crowther's textile firm set up in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, in 1924.

Mr Crowther was renowned for his love of fast cars and drove to his daughter Zoe's wedding at St Mary's Church, Elland, in a 1930s Chrysler which he had restored. He regularly raced cars around British circuits and shortly before his death had passed a rigorous medical to get his racing licence renewed.

Mr Crowther was also known for his love of engineering and had restored a waterwheel at Carr Hall, which powered his home.

He was also a talented musician with the Huddersfield Philharm-onic Orchestra and played clarinet, bassoon, piano and organ.

Mr Crowther died on September 4.

His funeral takes place on Tuesday at 11am at All Saint's Church, Staveley, North Yorkshire, where he moved with his wife in 2002.