TRIBUTES have been paid to a former mayor and "true gentleman".

Former Prestatyn mayor David Morris died suddenly on Friday, August 20.

Mr Morris was married to Brenda. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2018.

Mr Morris leaves behind Brenda and his two sons Simon and Jonathan and one grandson Joseph (Jonathan’s son).

Mr Morris had served as a Denbighshire County Councillor, a Prestatyn town councillor and mayor of Prestatyn as well as church warden on Prestatyn Parish.

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, deputy leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “David was a true gentleman and was extremely well thought of as a former town and county councillor. He served Prestatyn well during his time on both bodies and was an exemplary mayor. It is a sad loss for the town and his family.

“David always acted in the best interests of Prestatyn and it was a privilege to have served alongside him on Prestatyn Town Council."

“On behalf of Denbighshire County Council I would like to pay tribute to his service and pass on our thoughts to his family at this time.”

Clllr Sharon Frobisher, mayor of Prestatyn and Meliden, said: "I was so sad to hear about the passing of one of our past mayors David Morris. On behalf of Prestatyn town council, we would like to convey our deepest sympathy to David’s wife Brenda and their family.

"David was a stalwart of Prestatyn and Meliden and a long serving Chairman of Chatsworth House League of Friends. He will be sadly missed by the community in and around Prestatyn.

"David was always accompanied by Brenda and they were together at every community event.

"David was often called upon to present awards, say a few words, judge events and he always promoted his town of Prestatyn."

Cllr Gerry Frobisher, who has known Mr Morris and his wife for more than 25 years, said: "He was still employed by Welsh Water when I first came to Meliden 33 years ago. David was mayor just before me and we worked together for many years as councillors.

"David was ingrained in the community and church, and frequently called upon to compere an event or say a few words at a coffee morning. One of his favourite [events] to compere was Prestatyn Flower Show, and he was called upon to judge many a community competition.

"David was a great inspiration when I first became a councillor. He will be missed by all corners of the community."

Cllr Anton Sampson said: "I knew David quite well. During my term as mayor we would meet up regularly as he was still regularly involved in community events.

"He will be sadly missed by all and I would like to thank David and his wife Brenda for all of the work they have done over the years."

Cllr Tony Flynn said he had only met Mr Morris a few times but described him as a "super gentleman".

Cllr Linda Muraca said: "Although I have not actually served on the town council with David Morris, I do remember him from a resident point of view.

"He was a respected town councillor, county councillor and mayor who gave up an inordinate amount of time to serve the people of the town of Prestatyn. 

"He worked tirelessly and enthusiastically for the town and beyond. His passing is a great loss to both his family and residents."

Nigel Acott, who served as town clerk and financial officer at Prestatyn Town Council for 27 years before retiring this year, said: "David and his wife Brenda were a very good team and loved the community in which they lived. David was always a gentleman and very careful about mayoral protocol as he did not want to offend anyone. He served with dignity, high standards, compassion, and willingness to listen to all viewpoints. 

"He was involved with former Chatsworth House, community hospital and undertook many good works for local charity such as the hospital league of friends and more.

"I will miss him as we often met in town and he was always very interested in town council. He led council well and supported a number of town initiatives and talks which laid platform for future town growth and retail development."

David had previously worked as a general clerk at Holywell Rural District Council. It was there he met his future wife who was a rates assistant.

Mr Morris went on to work for the Central Flintshire Water Board before moving to Welsh Water. He then became a PR manger and retired in 2000.

Mr Morris told the Journal in 2018 how he and his wife married twice on their wedding day.

Mr Morris joyfully reflected at the time: “We were married in the chapel in the eyes of God, and in the eyes of the law in the vestry.”