THE ‘generous, inspiring, imaginative, heroic and hilarious’ managing director of a Swindon printing firm took his own life after a 20-year battle with depression, an inquest ruled.

Sports fan and racehorse owner Paul Rowley, 48, was well known in the Swindon business community through his work at Orchard Press, based at Orchard House, in Downsview, Greenbridge Road. He was the Advertiser's Businessperson of the Month in April 2012.

Gloucestershire Coroner's Court, sitting at Barnwood, Gloucester, heard that Mr Rowley took his own life at his home in Bingham Close, Cirencester, on September 3 last year.

A psychiatric report revealed that Mr Rowley had been admitted to Charlton Lane Hospital in the past, which helps people with mental illness, and had suffered suicidal thoughts for a number of years. 

Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, said: "He had visits from the Crisis team and had suffered depressive episodes for some 20 years, although there were long periods when he was fine.

"He suffered stress at work, was in a low mood and had lost weight."

Ms Skerrett said that Mr Rowley had taken clear steps to take his life and did not expect to be disturbed. A toxicology report revealed no alcohol or overdoses of any medication and he had a long history of depression.

"I conclude that he intended to take his own life and therefore my conclusion is one of suicide," she said.

A former Wycliffe schoolboy in Stonehouse, near Stroud, Mr Rowley grew up in Lechlade as one of three sons – along with Andy and Ian - to Barney and Daphne Rowley.

Nigel Pearce, Lechlade CC committee member, met Mr Rowley when he first joined the club in 1983.

He said: "No-one who knew Rolls will ever forget him. The man was a colossus - generous, inspiring, imaginative, heroic and hilarious.

"To use his own words – Paul was a legend.

"He cared passionately about Lechlade, its community and its cricket and he will be greatly missed."

As a player, Mr Rowley was renowned as much for his rousing team talks and on-field banter as his cricketing ability.

He captained the first XI for 20 years and led them to win the West of England Premier League's (WEPL) Wiltshire Division in 2008.

Off the field Mr Rowley presided over a revolution that reached new heights with the first team's promotion to Prem 2 of WEPL in 2014.

As chairman he was instrumental in the formation of the club's junior section in 2006, helped raise £27,000 to build new nets in 2012 and set-up a Third XI in 2013.

Under his guidance, Lechlade became a Gloucestershire Focus Club and raised thousands of pounds through fundraising events including a dinner featuring Nasser Hussain.

His efforts saw him win a NatWest OSCA (Outstanding Services to Cricket Award) in 2011.

Mr Rowley also spent three years as club captain at Cirencester RFC and had two stints in charge of the First XV.

His friend and former team mate, Richard Evans, said: "A flamboyant player on the field, he was always the centre of attention on the social side of things.

"He was such a character you just enjoyed being in his company – he was one of the funniest people I've ever met.

"But more than anything else he was a very supportive friend and would do anything for you."

Mr Rowley was also an avid horseracing fan and owner. His best horse – Palamon, ridden by Adrian Maguire – won three times under his ownership.