TRIBUTES have been paid to Newry businessman Louis Boyd, who passed away on Monday, aged 88.
The fashion entrepreneur, who opened his first menswear store in Newry in 1960 at the age of 26, became popular for the range of brands and styles he brought to the city.
Mr Boyd was also a founder director of Newry Credit Union.
His flagship Mill Street store became a mecca for jeans enthusiasts across south Down and south Armagh, growing into one of the north’s best known independent retailers.
The fashion chain, which bears his name, now operates from Newry's Buttercrane shopping centre as well as in Belfast at the Park Centre and Kennedy Centre, and at Rushmere in Craigavon.
All Louis Boyd stores have closed today as a mark of respect.
The retail company, now run by second and third generations of the family, said: “His mark on Newry and the wider community of south Armagh and south Down will last for many years to come, as we remember a husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, colleague, mentor and friend.”
Paying his own tribute, Irish News columnist Tom Kelly described Louis Boyd as “a gent and the embodiment of a true Newry man”.
“He had Newry carved in his heart. He was also the ultimate retailer,” said Mr Kelly.
“Louis could have sold sand to the Arabs and snow to the Eskimos. But he did it with panache, a hearty laugh and extreme generosity.
“Like most folk my age I was kitted out at Boyd’s for every big occasion from my Communion to my wedding. With my first wages I bought my dad a navy Crombie - it’s still in my own wardrobe 36 years later.”
Mr Kelly said Louis Boyd had shown his faith in the people of Newry by helping establish the Credit Union in the city.
“He had faith in the people. He was vindicated,” said the political commentator.
“The greatest partnership he formed was not in business but a love one. His late wife Terry was the love of his life.
“I was proud for him to consider me a friend. Newry is a little dimmer with his passing."
Louis Boyd will be laid to rest today (Wednesday) following Requiem Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Cloughoge. He is survived by his children Gary, Kieran, Martin, Liam and Adrian and predeceased by his wife Terry and son Damian.