THE man who built the Wycombe Swan theatre has died just weeks after his wife was accused of murdering their son.

Paul Markcrow, 70, of Long Crendon, Oxfordshire, died on Friday, April 15, from natural causes.

On March 29, Wendy Markcrow, 66, was charged with the murder of their son Patrick, 38, who suffered from Down's syndrome, autism and behavioural difficulties.

She is due to appear at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, June 1.

Mr Markcrow was cremated with his son on Friday, April 29th, in Oxford.

Mr Markcrow served as Buckinghamshire county architect for 15 years up until 1989 and won two Royal Institute of British Architects awards for his work on Missenden Abbey Conference Centre and Milton Keynes' Magistrates Court.

Chris Williams, chief executive officer at Buckinghamshire County Council, said: "Paul took over as county architect in 1974 and remained so until his retirement in 1989. During his time here he managed a 300-strong team of award-winning architects and made Buckinghamshire one of the leading public architectural practices."

He added: "Paul oversaw the county council's largest ever building programme which included providing most of the schools and public building for Milton Keynes. He also oversaw the design and construction of the hugely popular Wycombe Swan."

Mike Ockwell, theatre director at the Wycombe Swan, said: "It is a testament to him that the Wycombe Swan is now one of the leading presenting theatres in the area. It is very sad news."

John Stewart, who now works as a director for council consultants Babtie, was Paul Markcrow's deputy for some years.

He said: "I think everyone who worked for Paul was shocked to hear of his death. He was hugely respected and everyone who worked for him would look back on that period with great affection and pride in their achievements."

Mr Markcrow had previously worked as an independent councillor for Aylesbury Vale District Council. He served on their leisure, policy and strategic planning committees.

Cllr Chloe Lambert, a fellow independent who worked alongside Mr Markcrow, said: "His biggest contribution to the council was on the development control committee where his experience was of great benefit.

"His family have already been through one tragedy.

"The loss of a son is always a tragic event and my heart goes out to them."