ONE of Wrexham’s best-known businessmen and ex-service champions has died at the age of 91.
Derrick Holmes was not only famous for running one of the area’s most successful companies but over the years was a key figure in the Royal British Legion at Llay.
Mr Holmes, who died in Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Monday, August 9, was born and raised in Wrexham. The funeral will take place at Pentrebychan Crematorium at 3.30pm on Wednesday and Mr Holmes will be given a full ex-service ceremony, which will include the parading of military standards.
Mr Holmes left school in Rhosddu at the age of 14 to start work as an apprentice joiner with a local firm.
He worked there for a number of years before joining the army and during the Second World War served with the Royal Engineers in a number of campaigns.
Leaving the army at the end of the war, he started his own business doing building contract work with one JCB earth mover.
He gradually expanded the business, going into the plant hire market, and eventually set up a base on Rhosddu Industrial Estate. At its peak the firm employed more than 50 staff and hired out about 40 vehicles.
Mr Holmes worked in the business until he retired when he was in his seventies.
He was a major figure at Llay British Legion, which he joined in about 1950.
He was vice-president of the branch, president of the club and president of the boxing association attached to the branch.
Mr Holmes was also joint organiser of the annual gala held by the legion in its grounds.
Another role he had held was president of the Wrexham branch of the Eighth Army Association.
Paying tribute to him, a member of his family said: “He was known by many people in the Wrexham area and will be sadly missed.”
Noel Rogers, chairman of the British Legion branch at Llay, said: “He was an absolutely hands-on stalwart of the legion.
“He was held in great respect and will be sadly missed.”