Tributes paid to popular businessman who died after health problems

Tributes have been paid to a respected Sunderland businessman who has died after a short illness.

David Hawes founded East Durham company Peterlee Glass, which began life with a humble list of local customers in the 70s.

Today, it is a firm with a multimillion-pound turnover, employing more than 30 people.

David – a devoted husband to Norma, dad of Wendy and Graeme, grandad of Jack and Ellie – dedicated his life to his family and the business, until he died aged 70 earlier this month.

His son, Graeme Hawes, the current managing director of Peterlee Glass, said: “My dad was a well-respected businessman whose determination to see Peterlee Glass succeed never left him, even right until the end.

“His interest in the day-to-day operations of the business was infectious. It was his baby and he felt responsible for that and all of the people involved in it. They were like his family.

“Away from work he was the best dad and grandad anyone could have wished for and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”

David had a great enthusiasm for the glass business, working as a driver and glazier in his early career, and quickly picked up on opportunities within the industry.

He worked with Alpine double glazing, and from then was determined to have his own business.

David opened Peterlee Glass in 1977 and concentrated on glazing work and emergency boarding up.

He realised the greater potential and expanded and incorporated Peterlee Glass in 1981 to its current location at Lister Road in Peterlee.