TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular past member of Conwy Camera Club.

Harry Gent, 86, died on July 20 at his daughter's home following a short illness.

Mr Gent joined Conwy Camera Club in 1997. For many years he was very active on the club’s social side.

Mr Gent's wife Mamie died in 2019. He leaves two daughters, Debra and Joanne, and four grandchildren.

Rhodri Clark, a life member of Conwy Camera Club, said: "Harry would arrive early and help to set out chairs, then he would greet fellow camera club members as they arrived. Many new members, attending their first meeting, were immediately put at ease by his natural friendliness.

"He helped the club in many practical ways. He was enthusiastically involved in the club’s annual exhibition, and in 2007 he helped to install the club’s new display case in the foyer of Conwy Civic Hall. To give the case a smart appearance, Harry arranged for one of his many acquaintances to provide a sign with the club’s name.

"Harry liked to take photos of landscapes and townscapes, particularly in areas where he went on holiday, such as the Italian lakes."

Mr Gent grew up in St Helens and moved to Deganwy when he got a job at the Hotpoint washing machine factory.

He was described as a keen gardener and grew rhubarb, gooseberries and flowers.

He would take his children to the horticultural show in Conwy Civic Hall.

Mr Clark added: "Harry and Mamie never drove a car. The family always went on holiday in Britain until one year he reluctantly agreed to go to Corfu. He loved it so much that he travelled many times to foreign countries, including once to Singapore on his own.

"Harry made friends with people everywhere he went. In his address book, there are four pages of people in Greece alone.

"The family had free holidays as guests of a Greek fishing family which Harry had befriended. Harry went out with them in their boat. Back home, he bought oilskins which he sent to the fishermen, along with gifts for the children. Harry and Mamie provided accommodation for one of the Greek children who needed specialist dental treatment in England.

"He will be missed by current and past members of the club and by his many other friends in the area."

The family have opted not to release funeral details at this time with the current restrictions in place.