‘He was so proud of us all’ – Dyserth farm shop owner pays tribute to late father

Ken Doherty died aged 84 on October 18 in Priory House care home, Prestatyn, where he had been living for a few weeks.

His daughter, Katie Doherty-Jones, owner of Frankie’s Farm Shop on Dyserth’s High Street, celebrated the life of her father, who she described as “the gentle man”.

Ken was born in May 1938 in Bury as the eldest of three children.

He was a beloved husband of June, father to Katie, father-in-law to Tony, and grandfather to Charlotte, Olivia and Scott.

He went on to serve in the Army in Cyprus, become the youngest supermarket manager in Manchester aged 19, as well as being landlord of the Druid Inn, Holywell.

Ken Doherty (Image: Katie Doherty-Jones)

Katie said: “My dad was the eldest child and had a very happy childhood. As my dad’s only child, We shared a very special bond.

“Dad was a hard-working businessman, opening his first fruit and veg shop in Delph.

“Then, when we moved to Chester when I was two, he opened ‘Meloncauli’ (greengrocers) in Vicars Cross, and then onto his second shop in Flint, where he was known as ‘Mr D’.

“In 1988, he changed paths to become landlord of the Druid Inn, Gorsedd.

“Both of my parents spent 13 happy years in business here, enjoying many parties and welcoming everyone to their very successful establishment.

“Everyone loved to see him behind the bar; he had a smile for everyone.

“Dad loved the fact that I took after him and followed in his footsteps by going into the hospitality industry.

“He especially loved ‘Frankies’; he was so proud. Dad taught me everything that I know in business.”

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Ken’s funeral will be take place at St Bridget's Church, Dyserth on Thursday, November 3 at 1pm, followed by interment at Coed Bell Cemetery, Prestatyn.

Flowers or donations towards the British Heart Foundation and the Rhyl Lifeboat Crew Fund will be kindly accepted.

Katie added: “Above all else, he was a family man. He adored my mum, me, and his son-in-law Tony, and the love he showed his grandchildren was immense.

“He was so proud of us all – his ‘tribe’, as he always referred to us. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his tribe.

“Dad had a wonderful, dry sense of humour. He was grateful to everyone who cared; he never wanted to be any trouble to anyone, and he wasn’t.

“He smiled until his last day, and he always told us he loved us.

“Dad was loved by many. We have so many memories and we know, one day, these will help get us through.

“We will live on knowing we are a part of him and will continue to make him proud every day.”