TRIBUTES have been paid to an "absolute gentleman" who was thought to be Wales' oldest first-time home buyer. 

Edward Simon Jones, aged 87, sadly died recently following a short battle with stomach cancer. 

Edward, known better as Simon, made headlines last year after buying his first home - aged 86, earning him the tag of Wales' oldest first-time buyer. 

Denbighshire Free Press: Simon made the front page of the Flintshire Leader. Simon made the front page of the Flintshire Leader. (Image: Family photo)

He had previously lived on his family's Bychton Hall farm in Mostyn, and is known by many as 'Si the Farm'. He then spent time in the Marleyfield House assisted care facility in Buckley before buying his bungalow in Connah's Quay. 

Simon's niece, Lynne Palin, paid a touching to tribute to him. 

"He was like a father figure to me, and so many others. He was very sociable, and had many lady friends. The best way to describe him would be that he was just an absolute character! He absolutely adored his dog, Mostyn. 

"We'll all miss him so much but we're so glad he got to spend the final few months of his life in his own home - something he'd always dreamt of having. He celebrated his 87th birthday there and that's something we'll always cherish."

Denbighshire Free Press: Simon and his beloved dog, Mostyn. Simon and his beloved dog, Mostyn. (Image: Family photo)

After news of Simon's passing was shared on a Mostyn community page on Facebook, dozens of people passed on their messages of condolence and memories of him - where some described him as a "Mostyn legend" and "one-of-a-kind". 

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One person said: "Had the pleasure of caring for him whilst he lived at Marleyfield. He was so looking forward to moving into his own home, I really hope he got to enjoy his time there. Simon was an absolute sweetheart - I’ll never forget him."

Another added: "So sorry to hear this, I have lots of lovely memories of Simon, a true gentleman. He will be a real loss to the community."

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A further comment said: "Always a gentlemen, used to catch me as a kid taking apples off the trees at the tops, and then walk me down the path to where the better ones were and say 'have these instead'. Lovely man."

He is also well-known in the Llangollen, Denbigh and Ruthin areas - having used his bus pass regularly to go out on day trips. 

Lynne added: "I'll never forget the time on a trip to Llangollen - his favoruite place. Simon and I were watching the river when we heard a lot of cars beeping their horns. When we looked, his sister, Mary, was chasing Simon’s walking trolly down the road as it was heading towards the traffic! 

"He made so many people smile."

Simon's funeral took place in Mostyn on Tuesday.

Denbighshire Free Press: Simon pictured with staff of Molyneux estate agent in Shotton after receiving the key to his first home. Simon pictured with staff of Molyneux estate agent in Shotton after receiving the key to his first home. (Image: Family photo)