The family of a man who died in a tragic car crash have paid tribute to their ‘generous’ father and husband.

Colin Moxley, 67, owner of Thorns, died outside the Harpenden Sainsbury’s store in a freak accident last Tuesday.

His wife, Yvonne, and two sons, Glenn and Mark, have spoken about their beloved husband, father and ‘local legend’.

Colin met his wife Yvonne in 1968 at a disco in Stevenage and he proposed two weeks later, marrying the following year.

After owning ‘Colin’s Good News’ for 17 years, Colin bought Thorns in 1999, and later bought Perry’s florist next door, where wife Yvonne worked for ten years.

Yvonne said: “We’re very grateful for the time we’ve had with him. He had a serious health scare three years ago and we were very fortunate to have him after that.

“Even after major surgery he was back on his feet within a couple of weeks.”

Colin was a prominent local businessman and was a very well known figure in the community.

His son Glenn said: “Dad gave a lot of people their first jobs; he had hundreds of paperboys throughout the years, many of whom have paid their respects as they still remember him fondly.”

His two sons said that they had learned a lot from him over the years and that he was a real family man who supported the family in whatever they wanted to do.

The family said they have been overwhelmed by the support offered by the community and are very thankful for the flowers and wonderful messages left at the scene of the accident.

They have chosen to keep the messages there for the rest of the community, but have also organised a book of condolences for everyone to sign at the shop.