TRIBUTES have been paid to a business leader described as a ‘kind gentleman' who was ‘always generous’.

Tom Brown, of Prestatyn, died unexpectedly on February 28. He was found dead at his home, aged 77. It is understood Tom died in his sleep.

Tom, originally from Bandon in Ireland, had been a resident of North Wales for more than 50 years, starting in Midland bank in Holyhead and later moving to TSB in London and Prestatyn.

He founded DB Financial Services in Prestatyn in 1994 with partner Gary Davies, as was based from Tai Tywyn Business centre, Prestatyn, later moving to Greenfield Business Centre.

Friend Gareth Sandilands said: “Tom’s client base, or friends as they most became, were located all over the UK and Tom was well regarded within the UK Financial Adviser industry.

“I have known Tom all my working life, having worked in the next office to him in Prestatyn when I started my first job.

“We both became great friends socially.

“He later inspired me to start my own business and supported me to become a councillor.”

Gareth described Tom as a’ great gentleman’ with a ‘good sense of humour.’

“Once met never forgotten, as he used to say,” Gareth added.

Tom is survived by his niece Jennifer Moore.

He was brother of Anne and Daphne and her husband Bob.

He was uncle to Jennifer and her husband Jim, Mark and David and a grand-uncle to James, Marcus, Alex and Megan.

Since 2006, Tom had worked as an internal auditor at Prestatyn Town Council.

Nigel Acott, town clerk/financial officer at Prestatyn Town Council, said: “I knew Tom very well. He was very much loved and respected. He was very good with his figures - he could just look at numbers and see which one was out.

“He was a much liked and respected individual who always had that diplomacy.

“He was an independent internal auditor on behalf of the town council. He had worked with us since 2006 and we had built up a good working relationship.

“He was a good person to talk to. If he wasn’t happy with something, he wouldn’t be afraid to say. We had a very good rapport.

“His death was so unexpected. Just at a time when he was winding down and retiring.”

Tom’s memorial service is being held on Tuesday, March 10 (today) at 3.30pm at Prestatyn Parish Church.

Donations, if desired, are being collected towards St Kentigern Hospice and the RNLI.