A WREXHAM family and the wider business community have paid tribute to a man who "loved his shop and his life".

Colin William Hale was known to many for his family-run jewellery business in the city centre, PW Hale.

At aged 83, Colin died on January 5, following a long battle with dementia.

He had taken over the business in 1961, after the death of his dad Percy. Wife Brenda worked by his side for 50 years.

The couple had met in Wrexham Youth Club when Brenda was 15 and Colin was 17. Brenda was in the pantomimes and Colin was there to play in the orchestra. He was playing the violin at that time but he was known to be better at drums.

The Leader: Colin Hale.Colin Hale.

He was later joined in the shop by daughter Amanda and son-in-law Pat Calton more than 20 years ago. Colin worked there up until his dementia started to get worse about seven years ago but would still pop in from time to time until he went in to care.

Colin was born April 26, 1939, in Wrexham. He went to Lindisfarne School in Ruabon.

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Speaking on behalf of the family, daughter-in-law Rachel Hale said: "He didn't travel far, he filled his life with what made him happy.

"It was perfect to him too. He loved his shop and his life.

"He would always help anyone out, and was a real upstanding pillar of the community.

 

Wrexham jeweller Colin Hale.

Wrexham jeweller Colin Hale.

 

"He worked in his beloved shop six days a week but on a Sunday he loved riding his horse, Fudge, up in Pentre Broughton.

"He was also part of a dance band called George Smallwood and the rhythm boys in his youth where he played the drums.

"He was always found either in the shop sporting an eyeglass or outside the shop smoking a cigar."

Wrexham Business Professionals committee member Ian Edwards, said: "We were deeply saddened to hear that Colin had passed away and we send our sincere condolences to his family. It is a great loss to them and the wider community.

 

Fun times with Colin Hale.

Fun times with Colin Hale.

 

"For many years, Colin was a well-known and much-respected figure in the Wrexham business community and it was always a pleasure to deal with him.

"The family-run jewellers in Bank Street is an institution in Wrexham that has served the community for many decades and we wish them well in future."

Rachel added: "I remember going into Hales with my dad when I was young (it's not changed). I never thought for one moment I'd end up marrying Steve, Colin's son.

"I remember Colin there with his eye glass in."

Colin leaves wife Brenda, daughter Amanda and son-in-law Pat, son Steve and daughter-in-law Rachel, and grandchildren Milly, 15, who shared a birthday with her grandad, and Phoebe, nine.

On a poignant note, Rachel said: "At only 15, Milly couldn't really remember her grandad prior to him becoming ill. She has been reading all the tributes on social media and got so emotional, as she never really felt she knew him and she was learning what he was like from reading all the lovely tributes to him.

• A funeral will be held on Monday, January 30, at St Giles Parish Church in Wrexham, time to be confirmed. A collection will be held in aid of horse charities, family flowers only. Contact Roberts Bros Funeral Directors on 01978 756 997.