TRIBUTES have been paid to an eccentric man from Deeside who died suddenly at the weekend.

Colin Yuill – known fondly as Crazy Colin – was a regular at The Clwyd Hotel in Shotton and would often be seen dancing along Chester Road West and playing a harmonica.

Mr Yuill, 55, of Plough Lane, Higher Shotton, was pronounced dead at a relative’s home on Green Lane, Shotton, on Saturday morning.

It is understood he had been living with a brain tumour.

More than 1,300 people have joined the Facebook group ‘Colin the Shotton Legend’ in his memory.

Member Lisa Wainwright wrote: “I will never forget you doing your Tarzan in the early hours of the morning when you were on your way home.

“You will get to dance as much as you like in heaven.”

David Tagg wrote: “He was a genius in his own right with some of the eccentric stuff he did.

“I feel I’ve learnt a lot from him since I was younger, especially not to be so narrow minded as I was when I was in my school days and I bet a lot more feel exactly the same.”

Shotton East councillor Doreen Mackie also wrote: “Shotton’s loss is heaven’s
gain – enjoy your new freedom Colin.”

Childhood friend Neil Clayton, 46, of Higher Shotton, told the  Leader: “Colin was a massive Elvis fan who was forever dancing.

“People would honk their horns when they saw him on the street.

“He was bullied when he was younger but he managed to change people’s perceptions and then they laughed with him, not at him.

“He was an admirable man with a warm heart.”

Mr Yuill’s fame was even as far-reaching as Rhyl and Blackpool.

Connah’s Quay Cllr Bernie Attridge recalled a family day out in Blackpool when he saw Mr Yuill dancing along the promenade.

He added: “Colin was a colourful character who loved dancing and enjoying himself.

“He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.”

Direct Cars and The Clwyd Hotel, both on Chester Road West, have started a collection in memory of Mr Yuill which will be donated to his family.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place this week, after which an inquest may be opened.

A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: “We attended an incident at 9.30am in Shotton on Saturday to a male who had passed away.”