WARM tributes have been paid to a “diamond” former member of staff at Rhyl High School and holiday park entertainer following his death.
Brian Pendleton died age 92 on Wednesday, August 9 at his St Asaph home with his family by his side after a short illness.
Born in Rhyl in 1931 as one of four sons to a farming family, Brian left school aged 14 and his first job was with Bromley’s Upholsters, where he learnt his trade.
Following this, he continued to develop his joinery skills, working on a Rhyl farm and helping with the construction of its buildings.
In 1952, with his sights set on the tourism industry, Brian joined the entertainment staff at Golden Sands Holiday Camp in Kinmel Bay, where he worked as a general entertainer.
His joinery skills were also recognised there and he was retained by the camp to work on its maintenance and construction throughout the winter months.
Brian moved to manage the entertainment at Millers Cottage Holiday Park in Towyn in the mid-1970s, and also worked as media resource officer at Rhyl High School.
He is survived by his partner, three sons, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
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Andy Pendleton, Brian’s son, celebrated the life of a man who “lived life to the full”.
“As a dad, he was everything to me,” Andy said.
“I do joinery for a hobby, which he taught everything about to me. I just idolised him; he was a good friend, and a good dad.
“From the age of four of five, I’d be in the garage with him, and up until his final days, he was coming and helping me organise and arrange the workshop I’ve now got at my home.
“At 90, he was up on the roof, re-roofing a workshop at his house. He wore a pedometer, and would brag about how many thousands of steps he’d walked each day.
“He’d go walking with Jess, his Jack Russell, around St Asaph, and would stop and talk to everybody.
“In his latter years, he became breathless, but was always on his mobility scooter, going all over St Asaph. He lived life to the full; he’d run rings around you.”
With his love for entertaining, Brian also helped in charity events, including assisting the staff at HM Stanley Maternity Hospital in St Asaph, where they staged regular variety shows.
At Rhyl High School, he supported staff in the use of early multimedia equipment, such as film projectors and reel to reel tape recorders.
Brian also brought his entertainment skills to the school, helping students organise and deliver charity shows for vulnerable members of the community.
He remained a keen theatre-goer and always loved to go backstage to chat with celebrities such as Ken Dodd, with whom he became friends.
Following retirement in 1996, woodworking continued to play a big part in Brian’s life, passing his extensive knowledge to his sons and friends.
Brian also remained fit and active throughout his life, even taking on a zip wire at the age of 87 at Zip World’s Penrhyn Quarry site.
Louise Pendleton, Brian’s granddaughter, said: “We are beyond devastated at the loss of my grandad. He was a wonderful man who had a story or a joke for every occasion.
“My memories of my grandad will always be dancing on his feet every time my sister and I saw him as a child, usually while singing: 'Every little breeze seems to whisper: Louise'.
“I am lucky enough that my own children got to experience the same; even at 92 years old. “We were lucky we got to see him every Sunday; sadly, Sundays will never be the same again.”
Adele Pendleton, another of Brian’s grandchildren, added: “I was so fortunate to have Brian as my grandad.
“He is and always will be a big part of our family, and I am extremely lucky to have so many memories of him on Sundays, having fun and laughing with his great-grandchildren.
“It was amazing to hear all the memories he had growing up in and around Rhyl - there wasn’t a name or detail he didn’t remember.
“He was beloved by everyone that was lucky to have met him and will always be with us in loving memory.”
Sarah Pendleton, Brian’s daughter-in-law, described him as “one in a million”.
She said: “He was devoted to his sons and their families, always making us laugh. He loved to make people smile, and that’s how he would want people to remember him.
“Our Sundays without his visits will never be the same.”
Bob Hewitt, who worked with Brian at Millers Cottage during the 1960s summer holidays, remembered a man who was “loved by all who worked with him”.
He said: “You couldn’t have wished for a friendlier or nicer guy to be the entertainments manager.
“He was loved by all those who worked with him - and the thousands of people who holidayed at Millers each summer.
“Brian was a diamond - one of the best people you’d ever want as a friend.”
Gaynor Munden first met Brian when they were both working at Rhyl High School, and recalled how he had a “wealth of fascinating stories”.
She said: “His office ran like clockwork and nothing was too much trouble.
“Out of work, he became a valued friend who frequently helped me out with DIY, accompanied by his apprentice, Daniel. Brian could turn his hand to anything and was a real craftsman.
“Brian had a wealth of fascinating stories, but he particularly loved to talk about his family. He was so proud of them all.”
Jon Farrington worked in three cabaret bands who appeared at the Robin Hood Holiday Camp for the summer season in the 1980s.
He remembered the “great advice” that Brian, a “well-loved character”, shared with him.
Jon said: “He had an incredible personality, and the audiences enjoyed his pleasant chat and corny jokes.
“Brian took his job very seriously, but always had time to chat with the bands and entertainment team. He also remembered everyone’s name in the band, which really impressed me.
“Brian’s bingo was legendary, not only for the timing, but he also did all the rhyming, too. Our nights at Robin Hood were made extra special because Brian did a proper introduction when the bands came on.
“Lovely memories of a great time were made even more enjoyable with Brian at the helm. I am sure many local musicians feel the same way about this well-loved character.”
Mair Dowell, a close friend of Brian’s from St Asaph, paid tribute to a man who she was “proud” to have been associated with.
She said: “The highlight of our walks along the river was meeting up with Brian and Jess, and having a good chin wag and banter.
“He knew and remembered everything, and listening to his stories was so wonderful. He was involved with so many things and his knowledge was second to none.
“Every time we parted company, there would be a little joke to make me laugh. There will never be anyone like Brian; I am so honoured and proud to have been his friend.”
Isla Jones considered Brian her “dog-walking companion” in St Asaph.
She added: “I’ve lost count of the amount of times Alba and I would see Brian and Jess up ahead and run to catch them up, as we loved his company and banter so very much.
“We loved every single second of his time talking about his family and many trips down memory lane.
“There’ll never be a better dog-walking companion like Brian. I will be forever grateful to have met him.”
Brian Hughes, a former teacher and friend from Rhyl High School, added: “Brian’s position held the key to the smooth running of many a successful lesson as he oversaw resources.
“Deadlines were always met with worksheets neatly stacked for collection but only after you said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Brian insisted on that from teacher and pupil alike.
“He was also an excellent compere and if the role of school entertainment officer had existed, he would have been a natural.
“We don’t just learn from our parents or teachers; we can learn from men like Brian, who had integrity and a good mind. He will be sadly missed.”
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