Tributes have been paid to a much-loved veteran and poppy seller from Wrexham who has died aged 72.

Alan David Loose, described as being “well known” in the community and passionate about supporting veterans and sharing history, passed away on November 6.

The army veteran was a Welsh Guard who served in the Falkland’s War, and later dedicated his time to working with the Welsh Guards Association and becoming a poppy seller in Wrexham Maelor Hospital, managing to raise £2,900 at the hospital this year.

He would also bring the Welsh Guards to Wrexham and arrange for them to sit with him in the hospital whilst selling poppies.

The Leader: Alan and Welsh Guards in the Maelor Hospital selling poppies Alan and Welsh Guards in the Maelor Hospital selling poppies (Image: Jodie Jones)

He used to go to monthly meetings with the Welsh Guard Association and the veterans to support people and raise money for ex-veterans. He was also known for helping veterans personally.

He was a dedicated family man too.

His daughter Jodie Jones said: “Dad was a very proud family man, he had eight children, he was a stepdad to most of them but they all referred to him as dad.

“He is a grandad to 16 kids and a great-grandad to three children.”

He had been married to his wife Lynda Loose for 33 years and they were described as never being apart before Lynda sadly died three years ago.

Alan was very well known in the community and in particular for a bench that was made for him for a birthday. He was known for sitting on his bench every day and greeting everyone who went past.

READ MORE: 

His garden was always decorated with poppy-related items. Jodie added: “He was big on the army and the Fusiliers and the Welsh Guard Associations. He always put a wreath down on Remembrance Sunday, so he was very popular.”

He also worked in the army museum in Park Hall The Countryside Experience in Oswestry, and Jodie added: “He would do stuff with the kids and teach them about the war and get (them) to try the outfits on.”

The family is now looking to move his bench to a garden in Wrexham in his memory, if they get permission from the council to do so.

The funeral service will be held at St Giles Parish Church, Wrexham on Tuesday,  December 13, at 10.30am followed by committal at Pentrebychan Crematorium, Wrexham.