Family tribute to Wrexham businessman John Purdie

John David Purdie, also known as Jack and Jackie, died on October 22, 2022, at 80-years-old.

Many will have known John during his time running Charisma Trophies in Wrexham.

Born in Bowden, Cheshire in 1942, John's family moved to Pentre Broughton when he was only a few years old, moving to Brynteg a few years later.

In June 1982 John was offered a job in Hales Jewellers by Colin Hale, making trophies, which is where he also learned how to engrave.

In 1985, John along with his wife Dianne and father-in-law Les Moore, established Charisma Trophies in Overton Arcade. A few years later the shop moved to its familiar setting of Yorke Street, where it still is today.

John ran Charisma Trophies for 30 years, until he finally decided to hang up his engraving tools and sold the business to Allan Taylor in 2015, at the age of 73.

He initially stayed on for a few months to help Allan settle in, however, he ended up staying for another five years on a part-time basis and only stopped due to the Covid pandemic.

It was fitting he worked with trophies, for the majority of John's life he was involved in one sport or another.

He played for numerous pub darts teams in the area throughout the 60s and 70s, and also ran the Broughton Wednesday Darts League.

He also followed in his father's footsteps and played cricket for Brymbo Cricket Club. John represented Dee Valley Water Cricket Team in the Wrexham Midweek Companies League for many years, where he didn't finish playing until his early 70s.

Brymbo Cricket Club 2nd team from 1976. John Purdie is pictured front row. second from the right with his goatee, pads and bat.

John was also a fine footballer in his younger years, where he had the opportunity to turn professional for Shrewsbury Town FC, however, he chose to work down the pits instead as the money was better at that time.

Later on in his life he became fixture secretary of Wrexham & District Youth Football League for more than 20 years and spent a number of years associated with Gresford Athletic Football Club.

But above all, his favourite place was at home with his wife Dianne and precious dogs, Gracie and Lillie Mae. John and Dianne had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Speaking on behalf of the family, John's son Daniel Purdie said: "What will we miss about dad? Sounds cliche but everything! From his wicked sense of humour to his caring nature and everything in between.

"He was a thoughtful man, loyal, kind, and generous, he would always put others before himself. He was extremely hard working and had a strong work ethic.

"Tributes have poured in since his passing with comments from family and friends, such as he was a well respected man, he was the salt of the earth, a diamond geezer, a real gent, Mr Nice Guy, a man with an affectionate smile a true legend.

"As a father, he was devoted, proud, caring and fun-loving.

"He will be remembered for his generosity, his smile and his designer facial hair, be it his handle bar moustache or his classic goatee."

John leaves behind treasured wife and soul mate of Dianne, brothers Peter, Bernard, Neil and Martin, and sister Ruth, daughters Ruth, Jayne, Natalie and son Daniel.

He was father-in-law to Terry, Claire and Matt, and grandfather to Jack, Morgan and Carys,

• A celebration of John's life will take place at the Pentrebychan Crematorium on Monday, November 28, 2022 at noon. Enquiries to Roberts Bros Funeral Directors on 01978 756997.