Tributes have been paid to a proud Wrexham man dubbed a “key figure” in the town.

Norman Land died aged 70 onMay 1 after a heart attack at his home in Gwersyllt.

Mr Land’s son, Ian, daughter, Sharon, and wife, Maralyn, led the tributes to a man they say gave everything he had for Wrexham.

After retiring at 50 following a long career working at Wrexham Maelor council, Clwyd Council and the North Wales Police Authority, he served as chairman of trustees for Nightingale House for 10 years.

Born in Rhos to Harold and Elsie Land, Mr Land grew up and spent most of his life there, before moving to Gwersyllt after marrying Maralyn.

Mr Land was chairman of the Wrexham Allotment and Leisure Gardeners’ Association, as well as being heavily involved with Marchwiel Photographic Club and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Ponciau.

His family said he was known for always dressing formally and would even spend time at his allotment in Price’s Lane gardening in a shirt and tie.

Bearers at his funeral have been to the family home to select a tie fromMr Land’s extensive collection to wear in a fitting tribute at the service.

Ian said: “He was very proud of being from this area. My dad was the key figure in our family and has been there to support all his brothers and sisters and for his mum and dad.

“He did a lot for them, as well as mum’s family. He worked very hard throughout his life and started work at the age of 16 with Wrexham Maelor council.

“Eventually he went on to Clwyd County Council, where he worked in the chief executive’s department.

“In the later years of his career, he worked for the North Wales Police Authority as well as clerk to the courts and he helped arrange royal visits for the area.

“He was very proud of the work he did through the whole of his life but he particularly enjoyed the royal connection.

“Throughout his life, he had very strong faith and he was heavily involved at the Baptist church in Rhos. That place was supported by dad and he really helped keep the congregation going.

“We’re very thankful he had such a long and healthy retirement. It wasn’t a retirement as anyone else would know it and it’s hard to believe he did as much as he did.

“He was often hard to track down because he was involved in so many groups as well as the family stuff. He would give his time to anyone without being asked – he was very much a people person.

“I am proud to be his son and I don’t think life will be the same without him. He gave an awful lot back to this area and he is going to be so sadly missed.”

Mr Land’s daughter, Sharon, added: “Lots of people thought the world of him and there is a big gap in our lives. He absolutely worshipped his grandchildren and was very proud of them.

“We have had flowers and cards from so many people and he made such a big impression on everyone he met.

“He had a very healthy life. Nothing held him back, thank God, because he loved being out and active. If the word social was made for anyone, it was made for my dad.”

Mr Land’s funeral will be held at Mount Pleasant Chapel in Rhos at 2.15pm on Thursday, followed by committal at Pentrebychan Crematorium at 3.30pm.

Family flowers only, though donations can be made through the Offertory Plates.

Mourners are being encouraged to wear bright ties in view of Mr Land’s love of them.

Norman Land was dearly loved husband of Maralyn, much loved dad of Sharon and Ian, dear father-in-law to Victoria, proud “Taid Norm” to Joel, Saul, Drew, Sullivan and Tabitha, loving brother of Joan, Beryl, Stephen and the late David, a sadly missed brother-in-law, uncle and friend.