It was with sadness that I learned of the death of Dennis Parr recently. He’s been a great friend to Abergele and to Abergele Post. He generously shared his photo archive so we could all enjoy it.
I first met him when I was a young boy, gazing with wonder at the window display of his Parr’s The Toyshop. This is the window where we were introduced to Chopper bikes, Tiny Tears and C-Scope Metal Detectors.
Here’s link to some of his photographic contributions to this website. He gave me more photos about five years ago, so there’s still more to publish, which I’d like to do as time goes by.
For now, our sympathies are with Dennis’s family and friends.
Here’s the Funeral Notice from the Daily Post:
PARR – DENNIS (Parr’s Shop, Abergele), December 2nd 2021. Peacefully at Glan Clwyd Hospital aged 91 years and of Barnehurst, Groes Lwyd, Abergele. The dearly beloved husband of Val, loving father of Janette and Adam, cherished and proud grandad to Michael, Fallon, Lauren and Owen. Service and Committal at St. Asaph Crematorium on Friday December 17th at 11.00am. Family flowers only please but donations if desired would be gratefully received towards St. Kentigerns Hospice, St. Asaph c/o R.W. Roberts and Son Plas Tirion, Kinmel Avenue, Abergele Ll22 7LW Tel. 01745 827777.
I too recall the Parr shops, both the cafe where we’d hang out with other chums from the Grammar School, chatting over a coffee or some other soft drink. Also the sweets & toy shop next to the Post Office where, as little kids, we’d gaze longingly at the collections of Matchbox or Corgi toys, perhaps hoping we’d get one for Christmas or a birthday present. Then, in far later retirement years, exchanging emails with Dennis regarding the town he’d loved & photographically documented so well down the years. His presence will be sorely missed & my condolences go out to his family & friends.