Tributes pour in for Halifax Borough Market stalwart Colin Gledhill

Colin Gledhill died suddenly at the age of 67.

Father-of-two to Katie and Jack, he worked with his wife June at Roy’s Balloon Shop before retiring in 2018.

Having started out working for his father, from whom the party shop gets his name, on a ham and cheese stall in 1968, Colin became one of the best-loved and brightest personalities in the town centre.

He was well known for his Union Jack suit, in which he met Prince Charles when he visited the town in February 2018.

Daughter Katie has thanked people for their kind messages and tributes who described her dad as a true, kind gentleman.

“Everybody has said what a legend he was. He was so well known in Halifax.

“His death has come as real shock and he has gone far too soon. He was the life and soul of the party”

He also had two grand-children Aubree, who is eight months, and 11-year-old Beau who he had a special bond with.

On his retirement he said how he looked forward to picking her up from school everyday.

“They were literally best friends. They would always be getting into trouble together like eating too much chocolate and spoiling her,” said Katie.

“He would do anything for us and for anybody. Even after retiring he was always doing something and helping someone. He was just a larger than life character.”

Tributes paid by Halifax Borough Market

The Halifax Borough market has paid tribute to Colin and the huge impact he had on customers and improving the market. This is what they said.

Fondly known to many of our customers as Roy, Colin honourably served his entire life within our beloved market.

Initially starting work as a teenager at Whitaker's, before assisting and taking on his Dad's shop, Roy's Delicatessen in 1981. The following year he and his beloved wife June expanded the business to another shop, previously trading as Hanson and Southwell, carrying on the Roy's brand. They initially sold cheese, cake making products and coffee before adding balloons, balloon decoration and fancy dress. Through vision and hard work he developed a great reputation serving our community with their commemorative displays and party requirements.

For many years Colin was an active member of the Borough Market Tenants Association and was instrumental in establishing the renown Victorian late night opening celebrations during 80’s. In the latter years of his service he was the President of the Association working closely with the Council in promoting and being the glue between the tenants and the Council.

He was also well known for his Union jack suit, in which he met Prince Charles in February 2018, which he classed as one of many career highlights. Even after his retirement he couldn’t stay away and often came back to pay us a visit and brighten many peoples day.

He will be sadly missed by many people and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family at this very sad time.