TRIBUTES have been paid to a "remarkable" former local businessman and well-known community figure.

Derek Jones died on April 20 after a short battle with cancer, aged 75.
A proud father-of-five, and grandfather, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

He was a well reputed former business consultant, and became involved with Wrexham Symphony Orchestra, Ty Pawb and Xplore (formally Techniquest). 

After he moved from Wrexham to Handbridge, in Chester, he became heavily involved in the Handbridge Community Association. He had sought to get a community cinema set up, based at a local community centre  - plans which remain firmly in the pipeline following his passing.

"He was a real do-er, and a connector of people," Derek's daughter, Rebecca Griffiths said.

"We're immensely proud of all he achieved - he gave so much of his time to help others.

"As a father, he was a real bit of glue. He was so generous and wanted nothing but the best for us."

Derek was on the voluntary board at Ty Pawb - where he put on free lunchtime concerts, which went down a treat.

The Leader:

Music was one of his biggest passions - and he was a long-running supporter of the Wrexham Symphony Orchestra. 

They paid the following tribute: "Derek was a long-time supporter of the Orchestra who offered to help improve our marketing, with a desire to increase our audience members and bring our music to all. He was full of energy and life, and brought a fresh enthusiasm and direction to our offstage activities, adding the important element of an audience member’s point of view to our planning and outlook.

"He was instrumental in programming annual family concerts, forging stronger links with Wrexham Glyndŵr University and, of course, the popular Proms concerts at the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry. I will never forget Derek dressing up as a 'Nutcracker' for a family ballet concert and manning a stand giving bags of sweets to all the younger people in the audience, nor his raffles at the Proms and his ad lib announcements during our concerts.

"I must thank his wife, Anne, for allowing us to share some time with Derek. He will never be forgotten and we will try to build on the work Derek began. He will live on through every note we play."

The Leader:

A testament to his passion for music is that his family has received a letter of condolence from the family of legendary 19th Century composer, Gustav Mahler.

A further nod to his love of music is that all his children, and grandchildren, either sing or play.

Dozens of people took to the Wrexham Town Matters social media group to pay tribute to Derek. 

He was described as being a "true gentleman" and "special".

Peter Humphreys, founder of the Yellow & Blue hub, said: "Derek was a gentleman, always there with support and a smile, a person, that if he spoke, I stopped and listened to.

"He was absolutely brilliant, and passionate at Ty Pawb, a very wise man and will be hugely missed.

"He will be remembered so fondly."

Another person said: "Derek really encouraged me with my photography and gave me the opportunity to publish some of my photos and to photograph an idol of mine.

"A wonderful, generous man with so much drive and enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed."