Fashion shop founder Denis Hope dies, aged 85

The founder of one of Rochdale’s longest serving independent shops has died.

Denis Hope, aged 85, passed away on Saturday.

Mr Hope was known for selling top quality men’s and women’s clothes.

He went to St Joseph’s School in Heywood and left at 14 to work at Edward Taylor’s, a well established gents outfitters.

At age 18 he was called up to the armed services and he served in the Royal Navy for a few years during the war.

On his return he went back to Edward Taylor’s before deciding to have a go himself.

He opened his shop, Denis Hope, in 1959.

At one point he had three shops, one in Rochdale, one in Bury and one in Oldham.

Mr Hope had an eye for style and quality. He was amongst the first to introduce the likes of Henry Lloyd, Lacoste, Sand, Canali and Aquascutum to the fashion conscious of the North West.

It wasn’t just the labels that made Denis Hope conspicuous, it was the also the high standard of customer service.

Mr Hope was very well respected in the industry and his store on Drake Street is still there after more than 50 years. It is now run by his son, Michael.

Michael said: “He was a gentleman; he was very friendly, excellent company and good fun.

“He was a fantastic dad, we couldn’t have wished for a better dad.

“We have all done interesting things in our lives because dad told us to embrace everything.”

Mr Hope encouraged his children to try new things, he took them skiing when it wasn’t really the done thing and got them involved in sailing.

Michael spoke about Mr Hope’s hobbies, he said: “Family was number one and he had a passion for hill walking. He did lots of walking. He enjoyed the great outdoors.”

Philip Buckley, who works at the Drake Street store, said: “He was a very nice chap.

“He never had a bad word to say about anybody and nobody ever had a bad word to say about him.

“People always enjoyed talking to him.

“He was a proper gent.”

Mr Hope remained involved with his church, St Joseph’s in Heywood, where he was head alter boy in his teenage years.

Mr Hope leaves his wife Vera, four children: Anthony, Michael, Kathryn and Christopher, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr Hope’s funeral takes place at St Joseph’s Church on Thursday at 10.15am.