The Belfast-born entrepreneur and business owner Paul McGlade has died at the age of 69.
Mr McGlade was the founder of numerous well-known brands including Champion Sports, laser eye surgery chain Optilase and skin treatment specialist Therapie.
His family have paid tribute to his career, and to the “joy” he took in his children and grandchildren.
Mr McGlade was born in Belfast on June 12 1955. He started working in the markets of Northern Ireland at a young age, before moving to Dublin in the late 1970s.
He founded Apollo on the city’s Moore Street, a place his family said “became a Mecca for those looking for a bargain”.
He would go on to establish sportswear outlet Champion Sports, and later Thérapie Clinic and Optilase.
Paul got married to Rita in 1981 and the couple had four children, Paul, Philip, Katie and William, all of whom entered business. He and Rita later separated but “remained great and steadfast friends,” the family said.
Their statement highlighted qualities including his “child-like curiosity,” his work ethic and his “innate skill for identifying what people wanted”.
They said he was “tremendously proud of his children and their achievements”.
“But commercial success never blinded him to the joy he felt in the company of his children and six grandchildren. They, he liked to say, were the true riches of his life.”
Friends have also paid tribute to him on social media, with Prof Dr Patrick Treacy saying on LinkedIn that he was “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my great friend Paul McGlade”.
“We have shared over 25 years of cherished memories and enduring friendship. From our early days at Therapie Clinic, where I had the privilege of being his first medical director in 2001, to the time spent training the staff in Birmingham a year later, our journey together has been filled with shared experiences and mutual respect.
“Our adventures extended to a period in Goa, where we savoured the moments of togetherness and shared laughter.
“Paul’s company always brought joy and camaraderie, leaving a lasting imprint on my heart.
“His presence will be dearly missed, and the memories we created will always hold a special place in my heart.
“To Paul’s family please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. May the fond memories of Paul bring you comfort and solace.”
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News Catch Up: Monday 12 August 2024