Pensions legend Mike Morrison, one of the best known commentators in the sector, has died at home at the age of 55. He died suddenly and was still working until just before he died.

Mr Morrison was head of platform technical at AJ Bell and the company paid tribute to him as “well known, liked and respected” within the industry that he worked in for almost 30 years through roles at Winterthur Life, AXA Wealth and AJ Bell.

He was a columnist for Financial Planning Today’s sister website SIPPs Professional and a regular contributor to Financial Planning Today. He was also a regular press commentator and a veteran of the adviser seminar circuit, speaking to hundreds of advisers every year via AJ Bell’s ‘On the road’ adviser roadshow.

Mr Morrison was married to wife Rita for 25 years and they had a young daughter Sophie, aged 10. He died at home on Monday and was found by his wife. The cause of death was believed to be a brain haemmorhage and it is believed he died suddenly. He was working until shortly before he died.

Andy Bell, chief executive at AJ Bell, said: “Mike was never more comfortable than when he was in a room full of financial advisers talking about complex pension topics in his unique, engaging and light hearted way.

“He was one of the most popular pension commentators in the industry and leaves behind many friends and colleagues.  Most importantly he was a dearly loved husband and father and our thoughts and support are with his family at this difficult time.  He will be sorely missed by everyone at AJ Bell.”

Tributes have poured in for Mr Morrison whose pension insights and comments were always seen as among the most perceptive in the industry.

At the PFS Festival of Financial Planning taking place today at Birmingham’s NEC, PFS chief executive Keith Richards said he was “shocked at the news” and said “Mike was a really nice guy”. He said an announcement and tributes would be made at the event.

Financial Planning Today editor Kevin O’Donnell said: “I knew Mike for over 20 years. He was one of the kindest, most helpful pensions experts I’ve ever known and we were due to catch up for lunch before Christmas. He was always patient and helpful when explaining complicated pensions topics to newcomers and I know he was highly respected by many financial journalists who he counted as friends.

“The news is shocking and to have died at such a relatively young age compounds the tragedy. Mike was an esteemed columnist for us and always on time and on topic. A true professional. Our thoughts and condolences go to his colleagues and his wife and daughter.”

Chartered Financial Planner Gini Bolton CFP said: "I was so shocked to hear of Mike’s sudden passing. I had only just given his name to the CISI as a suggestion for a brilliantly knowledgeable speaker on his subject when I found out. He was a great presenter with such a sense of humour and a great love of music – and so obliging in speaking at so many events. He will be truly missed."

Jo Cann, director of change at Aviva and wife of former IFP chief executive Nick Cann CFP, Tweeted: "Such sad news. Mike was a legend and someone I have worked with over the years in the AXA days. Sending thoughts and best wishes to his family."

Christine Hallett, chief executive of Carey Pensions, said: "Mike was always a pleasure to spend time with, not only was he a great professional and someone who gave so much to our industry, he was just a lovely person, he will be missed by so many, but my thoughts and sentiments of sadness from the whole team at Carey Pensions, goes to those closest to him, family, friends and the team at AJ Bell. So sorry to hear the loss of Mike."

John Moret, founder of the MoretoSipps consultancy and a Sipps veteran, said: "“I recruited Mike to Provident Life (which became Winterthur Life) in 1990 when he was a relative unknown to join the technical team. We worked together for over ten years during which time my respect for him grew and grew.

"He was one of the most talented individuals that I have ever worked with – but more importantly he was a genuinely nice guy and brilliant company – particularly after a glass or two of wine. He always had a story to tell –and they weren’t all about pensions! Mike was a key part of the growth of Winterthur’s Professional Adviser Division – with crucial input during the early days of SIPPs and income drawdown.

"He had an affinity with and genuine understanding of the issues facing financial advisers which they respected – that’s reflected in the many tributes already paid by financial advisers following his passing. We kept in touch and I was delighted that he obviously enjoyed his days at Axa Wealth and latterly A J Bell where he was clearly totally at home. To lose someone of his intelligence, enthusiasm and zest for life at such a young age is absolutely tragic – and of course for his wife Rita and daughter Sophie he is irreplaceable.”

• Editor's Note: Story updated 8 Nov to add additional tributes and information. Story updated on 14.11.17 to add cause of death.

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