The funeral will take place next week of one of Tenby’s most well-known and liked businessmen, David Hughes, who passed away peacefully on Friday, April 15 at his home in Paxton Court, aged 83.

After nearly five decades at the helm of the town’s popular department store, T. P. Hughes, David handed over the reins to the fourth generation of his family back in 2003.

Educated at Malvern College in Worcestershire and Shadyside Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, David was called up for National Service on his return from America in December 1957.

He was commissioned second lieutenant in the Welch Regiment, serving in Cyprus and North Africa, before embarking on his retail career, after being demobbed in December 1959.He worked for two years as a management trainee in Harrods and then joined his father Sydney and brother Tom in the family business in December 1961.

Before his retirement in 2003, David's contribution to retailing had been nationally recognised from time to time by his appointment to the offices of president of the National Association of Retail Furnishers, British representative to the European Federation of Retail Furnishers, chairman of the British Shops and Stores Association, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and Freeman of the City of London.

Aside from the business, he had been four times president of the town's Chamber of Trade, past president and captain of Tenby Golf Club, past chairman of Tenby Round Table and past chairman of the South West Wales area, as well as past master of Tenby Masonic Lodge.

When coming to the end of his 'working life' spanning some 46 years, he attributed his success in Tenby to his "wonderful staff who have mostly been like the extension of my own family."

At last week’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, Mayor, Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall told her fellow members that she was saddened to hear of David’s passing.

She said that most will know of David, with his family business having been in Tenby High Street for over 114 years. The Mayor said that she had personally known him all her life, and whilst out walking their dogs, was always greeted with a smile.

She remarked that he was the ‘ultimate gentleman’, and she was sure members would join her in sending condolences to David’s family.

David is survived by his wife Dawn, sister Mary, children Tim, Chris and Anna, grandchildren Henry, Oliver, Tessa, Archie, Dan, Olly and Joe, great grandchild Finn.

The funeral service takes place on Tuesday, May 10 at St Marys Church, Tenby at 11 am followed by private cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 12.15 pm.

There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to “The Paul Sartori Foundation” c/o Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR.