A family has paid tribute to their adored father, grandfather and husband Cliff Vassiliou – the Croxley Sports Shop owner who recently died.

Mr Vassiliou, father to three sons, became somewhat of a celebrity after a campaign was launched to save his sports shop in Croxley Green. The shop was close to closing in April, because it had not had a single customer in three weeks.  

But Mr Vassiliou passed away just weeks after a social media campaigned was launched and helped keep the shop open. His death was announced on May 24.

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His youngest son Simon Vassiliou said he wants his father to be remembered as someone who always made time for other people.

He said: “I want people to remember him as a family man. As someone who put family at the heart of what he did.

“He was also very passionate about Croxley and doing right by Croxley.”

He added: “He would do anything for you.

“He would make sure he would keep in touch with you. We wouldn’t go more than two days without speaking.”

Mr Vassiliou had many passions, such as supporting Watford Football Club, said his son. But his most important passion was spending time with his seven grandchildren.

Simon said: “Dad would look after the children. Sometimes they would help him in the shop, just to tidy up a few bits and pieces.

“The grandchildren were his real passion and they adored him, their papou – Greek for grandfather.”

Cliff was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1936 and moved to the UK when he was in his mid-20s. He loved both countries equally, said Simon.

He added: “My father was driven. He came to the country with nothing at all but manged to achieve a lot.

“He started a family with my mother Penny, created a life, a friendship group, and became a big influence in the local community.

“The family wants to remember his journey through life.”

Cliff's family have said everyone is welcome to attend his funeral, which will be held on June 23. Anyone who wishes to attend can find contact information here.

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