TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Rhyl lifeboat crew member and caretaker.

Dave Dolan was a crew member on both of the town’s boats from the late 1970’s to the 1990’s.

Mr Dolan lost his wife Rose Mary some years ago.

The grandfather had a daughter Emma and a son, Mark and a brother called Robert.

Emma said: "He was born and bred in Rhyl. He lived in Rhyl his whole life.

Rhyl Journal:

L-R Eifion Owen; George Povah: Dave Dolan; Graham Nevitt: Brian Dunt: Paul Frost: Coxswain Billy Hunt. Picture: Rhyl Lifeboat

"He worked in Rhyl Library as a caretaker for 25 years. That is where many people knew him from.

"He was a loving father and grandfather. He was married to my mother for many years.

"He loved his time at the lifeboat - he was on the inshore lifeboat for years. He was head launchman and got his long service badge."

Mr Dolan was both head and second launcher for a while before he left Rhyl Lifeboat. He was one of the helms on the inshore lifeboat, and crew on the all-weather boat.

Mr Dolan, was described by his daughter as a 'firm Liverpool supporter'.

"We will be playing You'll Never Walk Alone at his funeral," Emma added.

"He also enjoyed travelling. He visited places such as the Philippines and Cambodia. We will also be playing John Denver - Leaving on a Jet Plane."

A spokesperson from Rhyl Lifeboat said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of former crew member Dave Dolan.

“He left the lifeboat for various reasons but was very active in the 70’s and 80’s.

“Our thoughts go out to his family.”

Mr Dolan's funeral will take place on Monday, September 30 at St Asaph Crematorium.

The funeral will give a nod to the traditional lifeboat funeral, in line with Mr Dolan's wishes, and will feature a guard of honour.