THE FAMILY of a man from Rhyl who was a “real gentleman with a heart of gold” have paid tribute to him following his death.

Dave Parry, a popular figure in the Rhyl and Prestatyn area, died aged 88 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd on May 15, surrounded by his family.

He was well-known in the area as a bus and coach driver.

Mr Parry was born in Prestatyn in 1936, and moved to the Vale Park area of Rhyl during the Second World War.

Dave Parry.Dave Parry. (Image: Megan Haf)

He initially worked as a telegram boy, before working as a postman, undertaker and bus and coach driver.

It was the latter of these he was best known for, working for Voel Coaches, Crosville Buses and Arriva.

Incredibly, Dave continued to drive coaches continentally and locally until his retirement at the age of 82.

A proud Evertonian, which his family said was “much to his dismay in recent years”, he was a loving father, grandfather and uncle, and a “friend to many”.

His daughters Megan and Delyth said Rhyl “simply does not feel the same without him”.

They said: “He had a brilliant sense of humour, he was incredibly generous and had time for everyone.

“A real gentleman with a heart of gold.

Dave Parry.Dave Parry. (Image: Megan Haf)

“Lots of tributes [including] on Voel’s Facebook page, show how well liked he was.

“We are grateful to have had him as our dad, and to have had him in our lives for so long.

“He was wonderful, and we will miss him forever.”

In a post on social media, Voel Coaches said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Parry, a beloved former member of the Voel Coaches family.

“Dave's contributions and vibrant spirit will always be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Dave.”

Dave Parry’s funeral will be held at St Ann’s Church, Rhyl at 10.30am on June 18, following by a private cremation for family and close friends at St Asaph Crematorium.

All are welcome to join for food and drinks at Bod Erw, St Asaph from 12.30pm.

The family has requested people attend in black or royal blue attire.

There will also be a memory book and glue stick in church and at Bod Erw, where people can bring a written memory to stick in the book so the youngest members of Dave’s family “learn about the amazing man he was”.