WARM tributes have been paid to a highly respected figure in the North Wales building industry who "always put his family first" and was " happiest when his diary was full."
Graham Anwyl, chairman of Anwyl Group, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 29, following a short illness.
The father-of-three, 82, was married to Annie for 59 years. The couple, who lived in Prestatyn, have seven grandchildren.
Born in 1943 in Greenfield Street, Rhyl, Graham grew up a stone’s throw from where Anwyl was founded by his grandfather Thomas Anwyl and father Walter Anwyl in 1930 as a joinery business.
After attending Rhyl Grammar School, Graham enrolled at the College of Building in Liverpool, before joining the family firm in 1964. He took over the company in the mid-1970s and, in the years that followed, led the expansion of its housebuilding division, Anwyl Homes, for which it is best known today.
Alongside his work, Graham was a past captain and president of St Melyd Golf Club in Prestatyn and long-time member of the Round Table, Rotary and 41 Club of Rhyl.
A joint tribute, issued by Graham's children - Mathew, Lucy and Tom, said: "Our father had an undeniable energy for life. He always put his family first, but his work came a close second, and he was always happiest when his diary was full.
“Graham was very proud of the company’s record of employing local people and training apprentices. His commitment and passion for building communities never wavered and his legacy remains in the many projects he was proud to oversee.
“Graham loved engaging with people and was an inspiration to many who knew him.
"Since his passing, we have been heartened to receive so many messages of support, with our dad remembered as 'a giant of a man', 'a mentor' and 'best friend' and for the kindness and support he showed to so many.”
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