A POPULAR Co Antrim entrepreneur who founded several successful businesses in Donegal will be remembered as a "gentle giant" and a mentor following his death.
Richard Finney, who was originally from Lisburn, died on Sunday.
Based in Letterkenny, where he ran a deli and recently established Co Donegal's first specialty coffee roaster, the father-of-two became one of the most popular business personalities in the region after first founding a wine shop in the town in 2008.
Tributes have poured in following news of his death from colleagues and business peers to whom he offered support and mentorship.
In a statement, the Counter Deli, which he founded with wife Olivia, said: "Richard was a gentle giant who had time for everyone. He was an absolute gent who was always up for a laugh and a bit of craic. He was also an inspirational entrepreneur and became an expert in anything he set his mind to."
They added: "Richard was loved by all and, as a mark of respect to the main man, the Counter will be closed for the rest of this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Richard’s family."
Strabane-based tea and coffee van company The Thirsty Filly, which was supplied by Mr Finney's New Kid Coffee roastery, said in a social media post: "Richard was our mentor and friend, always willing to lend advice and being our biggest supporter even 3 years down the line."
A statement from the Time & Tide cafe in Annagry said: "Richard you were way too cool for obituary clichés. Time & Tide would not be what it is today without your unlimited and genuine guidance and support."
A death notice described Mr Finney as "deeply missed" by family including wife Olivia, daughter Mia, son Matthew, sister Karen and his brother Andrew, among others.
A funeral mass will be held at Letterkenny's Church of the Irish Martyrs on Thursday, followed by a burial service at Conwal Cemetery.
