TRIBUTES have been paid to an internationally renowned Suffolk psychiatrist who later became a prominent horticulturist.Dr John Howells, who was the director of the Institute of Family Psychiatry in Anglesea Road, Ipswich, has died aged 89.

TRIBUTES have been paid to an internationally renowned Suffolk psychiatrist who later became a prominent horticulturist.

Dr John Howells, who was the director of the Institute of Family Psychiatry in Anglesea Road, Ipswich, has died aged 89.

Dr Howells, pioneered new approaches in family psychiatry and experiential psychopathology.

He was also the driving force behind the foundation of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and wrote 48 books in seven languages and more than 300 medical papers.

He was a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and served on many local, regional and national committees. When he retired he became known for his research on the clematis flower.

Dr Howells' daughter, Dr Cheryll Adams, said: “He was an amazing man who helped an enormous number of families in the Ipswich area during his 35 years in practice there.

“He was very astute but a modest, gentle and kind man. He leaves his wife Ola, three sons, a daughter and eight grandchildren.