Tributes paid to popular book shop owner who died suddenly

The death of a popular book shop owner has 'left a huge hole in everyone's life', his wife has said.
Robert Johnston.Robert Johnston.
Robert Johnston.

Robert Johnston ran the Piece Hall shop for 14 years up until its closure in 2013.

The 77-year-old died suddenly recently after collapsing at Halifax Bridge Club, where he was a member.

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The crematorium at Elland was filled with mourners for his recent funeral, according to his wife of 56 years, Irene.

She said: “He is tremendously missed, he has left a huge whole in everybody’s life.

“He was wonderful and such a friendly and active person.”

Originally from Glasgow, Robert and Irene moved to Halifax in 1968 and later set up an engineering firm.

He later went on to run the bookshop but closed when a major redevelopment of the Piece Hall began in 2013.

Following retirement, he spent his free time playing bridge, sequence dancing and was an avid reader and storyteller.

He is survived by his wife Irene, their three children and seven grandchildren.

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