THE family of a popular Hatfield businessman has paid tribute to him on the first anniversary of his death.

Roy Syme, from Link Walk, died on February 8, 2009.

A father-of-five, Roy had lived in Hatfield since the late 60s, and set up his haulage business Olympic Transit Services in 1971.

A well-known figure in the town, Roy regularly organised social evenings at the old British Aerospace club with his wife Grace, who he married in 1977.

The pair later separated, but remained close, and remarried in 1993 – the report of the ceremony appeared in the WHT.

“He was one of the old school in Hatfield,” said Grace.

“Before British Aerospace, Tingeys Removals & Haulage, Dollimore’s greengrocers, Kego’s DIY and many more small businesses had gone.”

After Roy sold Olympic Transit Services in 2004, he continued working part-time as a courier right up until his death.

Grace said: “Roy was a happy go lucky, easy kind of guy, always willing to help others if he could. Hatfield will never be the same.”