A FATHER of five lost his battle with a brain tumour last week leaving his family devastated.
Leonard Howarth, aged 64, of Sandy Cove in Kinmel Bay, described by his daughter Louise as a “gentle giant” passed away on January 7 surrounded by his family.
“He will be missed like you wouldn’t believe,” said Louise.
“He would have done anything for anyone.”
Leonard, pictured right, who once owned the Power House gym in Rhyl, was first diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiform brain tumour in March last year.
After having the tumour removed the following month, 10 weeks prior to his death he discovered it had returned.
Leonard underwent another operation to remove the tumour just days before he died.
Louise said: “We were all absolutely devastated that the tumour had returned.
“We knew that it would come back eventually, but not so soon.
“His death has come as a massive shock to us all.”
Leonard, who is originally from Salford and moved to the area 15 years ago, leaves five children, Connie 47, Kathy 41, Christine 34, Louise 31, and Lee 24, along with his wife, Christine, 54, who has spent the past 38 years with him.
He will also be missed by his 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Louise said: “This was the first Christmas my mum and dad had spent apart.
“We went to see him in hospital but he wasn’t well - it’s hard but we are all sticking together.”
Louise also praised the staff at the Walton Centre for their fantastic support.
“They were brilliant with us,” she said.
“Even the support from the people who were in the same boat as we were in was fantastic.”
“The care that goes on at that hospital is outstanding.”
The funeral will take place in Salford.