TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘lovely man’ who was one of the ‘great characters’ and tradesman of the local area.

Ronald Hammersley, 87, died on January 7 and leaves behind four children and a brother. He is fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Mr Hammersley owned ‘Hammersley’s’ hardware store on Mold high street for over half a century before closing its doors in 2013.

Mr Hammersley, of Maes Bodlonfa in Mold, who was also a much-loved grandfather, put his years of long service down to a love for his work.

Michael Hammersley, one Ronald’s children, paid a touching tribute to a man he could ‘talk all day about’.

He said: “My father was simply a lovely, lovely man. He was well and truly devoted to his family and never wavered from this, he cared about us more than anything else in the world.

“Our sister Susan is severely disabled and he was as devoted to her care as anyone could be. I have nothing but admiration for him.

“He will be sorely missed by all his family and I could never say too much about him. His passing will leave a major void in our life.”

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Mr Hammersley’s wife Valerie passed away in 1989, and Michael has also paid tribute to how he raised him and his siblings on his own.

He added: “After the passing of our mother, he just did his absolute best for us and I couldn’t utter a bad word about my father.

“For the rest of my life I want to carry on my father’s legacy and live my life through him by treating people as he did.

“He had time for everyone, and was noticeably helpful for the elderly or disadvantaged, as was his basic compassion for people.”

Eirwen Jones, who owns a shop across the street from where Hammersley’s was, said: “He was a very kind gentleman and he went above and beyond to help people, especially the elderly.

“His shop was the one I’m now in before he moved across the street 39 years ago.

“I knew him for over 50 years and he really was one of the great characters of Mold and will be sadly missed.”

Mr Hammersley was also a Mold town councillor for a period, and served as chairman of trade for the town in the 1960s.

Cllr Anthony Parry, former mayor of Mold, said: “Ron was an excellent member of the trader’s community, he would always happily lend a hand for everyone.

“He was a highly respected member of the public and will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.”

Most people remember Mr Hammersley for being the traditional ‘open all hours’ hardware shop owner who had everything to suit people’s needs.

Dave Hill, Mold town centre manager, said: “He was one of the founding members of the brilliant trading community we have in Mold.

“His shop truly was ‘open all hours’, and I don’t remember him having a day off for about 30 years, barring the traditional bank holidays. Come rain or shine, he was open for business and you could get whatever you needed from him.”

Cllr Parry added: “He had everything in his shop and you never left it disappointed, a truly exceptional tradesman.”

Mr Hammersley’s funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Parish Church in Mold on Wednesday, January 23 at 2pm, followed by cremation at Pentrebychan Crematorium in Wrexham.

Family flowers are asked for only, but donations may be given in Mr Hammersley’s memory to the Enhanced Community Residential Services (ECRS Charitable Fund).

All other enquiries to Peter Morris Funeral Directors, Chester Street, Mold, by calling 01352 700142.