Laurie passed away on Thursday, December 2 at Tenby Cottage Ward, Park House Court. He is pre-deceased by his wife Marian and survived by his sister Jennifer, daughter and son-in-law Linzi and Richard, son and daughter-in-law Charles and Sara, grandsons James and Laurie, great grandchildren Tom, Kaia and Leo.
The funeral cortege will leave St Marys Church at approx 2.15pm travelling to Tudor Square, The Harbour, Crackwell Street, White Lion Street, The Parade, Esplanade, Victoria Street, Park Road and onwards to Crematorium for anyone who wishes to pay their respects.
There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to either “The Paul Sartori Foundation” or “Cancer Research Wales” c/o Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR or via the donate button.
Tributes have been paid to Tenby’s ‘Mr. Entertainment’ - a familiar face at Dales Music Store on High Street, and a popular figure on the resort’s entertainment scene down the years.
Laurie turned 93 last month, and via a message in the Observer pages he sent to the community who has wished him well for his birthday, he stated: “I just want to say thank you. It’s been fantastic to be able to live in a place like Tenby surrounded by Tenby people.
“There is no where else in the world like Tenby and I’ve had a wonderful time - it’s been out of this world!”
Almost 70 years ago, Laurie first opened the doors of what has become a legendary attraction to music lovers - Dales Music Store. Founded by his father, the store originally specialised in pianos, but as the ’50s progressed, recorded music became more and more popular. Soon the shop gave up most of its shelf space to records, and later, eight tracks, cassettes and more recently compact discs.
Laurie’s roles in Tenby’s fondly-remembered Gang Shows saw him share the stage with his son Charles, best known for his role as Big Mac in BBC’s Casualty.
Tenby’s Mayor, Clr. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said on Laurie’s passing: “Remembering today one of Tenby’s finest. Thank you for the joy you brought to so many over the years and the memories many of us will hold dear.
“From Tenby Players to Stagestruck; Senior citizens dinners, Gangshows and so much more...and our first records. May you dance with the stars and sing with angels. Rest well Laurie. God bless!”
The Mayor’s husband, Clr. Laurence Blackhall posted on social media that he had the privilege of spending time with Laurie recently in Withybush Hospital.
“One afternoon he did an impromptu ‘songs from the shows’ performance and a whole hospital bay and staff were joining in. He still knew how to play an audience!”
Clr. Tish Rossiter said that this time of year, Laurie would normally be on stage entertaining those that attended Tenby’s Senior Citizens Dinner.
“So sad to hear the sad news of such a gentleman. Laurie was a great character and life and soul of the High Street and the town.”
Tenby Round Table posted on Facebook, that all past and present members were greatly saddened to hear of Laurie’s passing.
“Laurie’s contribution to the community in Tenby cannot be overstated. He was always a huge supporter of Tenby Round Table and our fundraising activities.
“For the last 50 years he provided entertainment and directed proceedings at our annual senior citizens Christmas dinner. He will be missed hugely by both our members and the community he kept so enthralled and entertained.
“Tenby Round Table sends our deepest condolences to Laurie’s family. We hope they find comfort in the joy he brought to those in the community that he loved.”
Tenby town council clerk, Andrew Davies said: “It was an honour and a privilege to share a stage with Laurie over the years and doubly so to call him my friend.
“Rest in peace Tenby’s Mr Entertainment. The curtain may have come down for the final time but the star still shines bright!”
Local DJ, Steve Briers commented: “Laurie and Richie kept myself and many DJs going with all the latest vinyl singles for years and I cherish the memories, the coffees consumed, and music chats we had over the past 40 years. An absolute gentleman who will be sadly missed and never forgotten!”
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