THE funeral of a popular town councillor and "devoted family man" will be held this month. 

Cllr Brian Blakeley, a Rhyl Town councillor and Denbighshire County Councillor, died aged 82 on October 28.

The former Rhyl Homelessness Champion and member of Denbighshire's Communities Scrutiny and Planning committee took up the position of town councillor in 1999.

He was devoted to Rhyl and his ward, Tynewydd.

A memorial service will be held for the ex-postman at St Thomas' Church, Rhyl, on Thursday, November 17 at 1.30pm. 

Following the service, friends and family are invited to the Crematorium in St Asaph. There will then be a reception at Elwy Hall, Rhyl, at 4pm. 

Family flowers only. 

Cllr Brian Blakeley's daughter Michelle said: "Please feel free to wear a colour of your choice to honour my dad's memory.

"This will be a celebration of dad's life."

Cllr Blakeley was married to Evelyn for 37 years [the couple had been together for 40 years]. He was a proud father to Michelle, Claire and John and had eight grandchildren; Rebecca, Seren, Sophia, Rosie, Caitlin, Lucy, Beth and Philip.

He was also a great-grandad to Kyron, aged two.

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Paying tribute to her father Michelle, who was elected a town councilor for Rhyl Trellewelyn ward in 2021, said: "Dad had a genuine love for Rhyl and its people and would always dedicate his time to attend various community events, meetings, and campaigns. His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to help improve the lives of the people of Rhyl earned him countless admirers across all walks of life.

"Dad was a devoted family man who always put the needs of others first before his own.

"He loved all to with helping his community and would put his heart and soul into anything he did for others.

"There will be no other like him as he put his heart and soul into his work."

Outside of politics, cllr Blakeley had a particular fondness of animals.

He owned a number of rescue dogs over the years, mainly greyhounds, as well as several cats, birds and fish. 

The family have requested that (if desired) donations are made in memory of Brian towards Rhyl Lifeboat and / or North Clwyd Animal Rescue.