A COUNCILLOR has paid tribute to a businessman who was ‘a huge part of Denbigh’.

John Hall, who ran the popular Brookhouse Mill in Denbigh along with wife Karen, died on Friday March 26.

He passed away peacefully aged 61 at St Kentigern’s Hospice, St Asaph.

Mr Hall leaves behind wife Karen, his children; Jacob, Georgia, Josh and Emily, grandsons Spencer and George, brother Colin and sister Margaret.

Speaking to the Denbighshire Free Press, Denbighshire county councillor Mark Young re-called the night he first met Mr Hall and spoke of how generous he was.

Cllr Young, who also runs the Chocolate Shop located on Vale Street in Denbigh, said: “I first met John and Karen 20 years ago at their New Years party at the BrookHouse. We didn’t know anyone but they really looked after us and had a great night making lots of new friends with John kindly taking us home in the very early hours.

“When we first opened the Chocolate Shop, they both were very supportive and always happy to give valuable advice which was really appreciated.

“John was a huge part of Denbigh and an amazing businessman, our love and thoughts go to Karen and family.”

Brookhouse Mill is a mill-turned-bar-and-restaurant which has an excellent reputation in Denbigh and beyond.

When the business posted a statement confirming Mr Hall’s death on Saturday, March 27, an endless stream of kind words in tribute to him were subsequently posted beneath it.

One user wrote: “I am so sad to hear this news. John was such a lovely man and a very good friend to me and my parents. We all held him in such high regard that his passing will leave a hole in my heart.”

Another added: “So very sorry to hear this news. Over all the years I worked at Brookhouse, John taught me a great many things and gave me real opportunities to grow and learn about myself. Lessons and memories that I’ve carried with me through the rest of my life, for which I will always be grateful to John.”

Other words posted by commenters and used to describe Mr Hall were; ‘lovely’ and ‘hard-working’.

A private service will be held for Mr Hall at St Asaph Crematorium at midday on Friday, April 9.

The funeral cortege will pass Brookhouse Mill for 11.30am.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be gratefully received towards St Kentigern Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and North Wales Cancer Appeal.