Tributes are pouring in for a popular former Barnoldswick shopkeeper who died on Monday aged 81.
Louis Patrick Jones, well-known to most West Craven folk as “Pat”, owned and ran P. and J. Jones vacuum and washer spares and repairs on Rainhall Road for over 20 years from 1982.
Mr Jones was born in Westminster on December 1st, 1930, but moved to Addingham in North Yorkshire after the war with his mum and dad who ran the local chemist there.
His early career was spent working on the maintenance staff at Harrods, for the milk marketing board and as a much loved apprentice to “Willy Bradley” a local inventor at the time. He also worked in local mills for a period fixing and maintaining machinery.
It was his work for Mr Bradley which taught him about engineering and started a passion for tinkering with anything mechanical.
Mr Jones also worked at Rolls-Royce in the pressure testing department for 15 years and used to love nothing more than putting on his Rolls overalls, which he wore with pride, and getting down to work.
He was instantly recognisable around town driving in his green Mercedes and while at work in the shop, Mr Jones was always very smart in a shirt and tie as presentation was important to him.
He retired, selling his shop in 2003 at the age of 73, to spend more time with his three children and six grandchildren.
Outside of work, Mr Jones was a keen photographer and member of Earby and District Camera Club. He would quite often would carry two cameras around with him to get the perfect picture.
Mr Jones also worshipped at St Joseph’s RC Church for 40 years and has been described by his family as “a true Christian man”.
His daughter Anne said: “People always said what a perfect gent he was. He had impeccable manners and a lovely “cheerio” to everyone. He gave so freely of his time to everyone he met.
“He would never say a bad word about anyone and was such a positive person. Even in the darkest of situations, Dad would always find humour.
“We are so grateful to the ambulance crew and the staff of Airedale ICU who worked tirelessly to save Dad and the family are overwhelmed by the lovely messages of condolence we have received.”
He leaves behind his wife Josie, children Pat, Kathleen and Anne, and his six grandchildren Shannon, Liam, Oliver, Katie, Matthew and Erin.
Mr Jones’s funeral will be held at St Joseph’s RC Church in Barnoldswick on Tuesday at 10am followed by a cremation at Skipton Crematorium at 11-40am. Arrangements by Windles on 813345.