The sudden and unexpected death of “Mr Helston” Wesley Bowden has left the town reeling this week.

Wesley died last Wednesday, having gone to the doctor that morning with chest pains. He was advised to go home and rest, where he suffered a massive heart attack.

His widow Lynn, who he only married back in May, described Wesley, 67, as her “rock”.

He was perhaps best known for owning and running Bowden’s Home Hardware for 44 years, having taken over the family business at the age of 23 when his father died.

It became his life and Lynn said he was forever “putting off” retiring.

Although the shop closed last Thursday through to Saturday, it reopened on Monday and will continue to trade for the foreseeable future, run by the staff.

Lynn said: “I’m very grateful to the staff for continuing their trading. They have been really good and they have got a hard job to do.”

Wesley was passionate about the community he lived in and in particular the businesses, attending every meeting about Helston’s future and economy.

He was also a strong supporter of charity, included the Mustard Seed, attended all local events and belonged to the Rotary.

“He did far more than he even told me,” said Lynn.

Wesley was just days away from moving into the house he was having built in Lady Street – the realisation of a dream held for 25 years – with he and Lynn planning to live there by the end of this month.

Sadly this was not to be, although the house, named Wesley Cottage and containing a whale on its name sign – due a favourite saying of Wesley’s that he was a “small fish in a big pond” – will remain as a lasting memorial to him.

The entire top floor is made up of a large room that was intended to be a ballroom and also allow the house to become a “community house” where people were always welcome.

On Flora Day this year he opened it up, partially finished, to 100 people.

Wesley and Lynn met 21 years ago, when they became ballroom dancing partners in Rosudgeon, and their friendship grew stronger over the years.

The couple shared a strong faith, and became engaged during a pilgrimage to Israel last year.

The engagement, Lynn said, came as a surprise to both of them and she described the time as “a really special day and a special trip.”

Accompanying them was Rev Danny Reed, superintendent Methodist minister for the Lizard and Mount's Bay circuit, and a great friend of both Wesley and Lynn.

“He was there at the engagement, he did the wedding and he will be doing the funeral service and celebration of life,” said Lynn.

“He’s like a big brother to me. The night Wesley died he took me into his home with his family and let me stay there.

“I want to say many, many thanks to Danny and Sarah, and family, and all those who have supported me.

“I have had hundreds of cards and phone calls and texts; people calling on the door. The support I’ve had has been fantastic.”

Wesley was born in Gunwalloe and grew up in the village before moving to Helston as a teenager, where he lived at Parc Eglos.

He went to university in York and wanted to become a chemist, but had to return home when his father died and take over the family business.

His sister Carol was involved in the business with him, while his other sister Lorna works in London.

He attended Trewennack Methodist Church for last ten years and Lynn said everyone there had also been “really supportive.”

Wesley’s funeral will take place on Friday next week, November 7, at 1pm in Treswithian Crematorium, Camborne.

This will be followed by a celebration of his life at Helston Methodist Church from 2.30pm, with refreshments afterwards.

Friends and well wishers are welcome at both services, with the second part at the Methodist church, in particular, expected to be standing room only.

Just as at their wedding, which began with 45 minutes of hymns and Cornish songs, singing will play a big part of the funeral services also, with Wesley a member of Cadgwith Singers.

Lynn has requested no flowers, but donations will be taken for charity. People are encouraged to wear clothes they feel comfortable in, rather than formal black.