It is with regret that we announce the passing of Viv Hobbs on Thursday 13th August 2015

Viv Hobbs was born in Pontypridd on 15 December 1934.

In 1948, at the age of 14, he started work for Tudor Williams & Co at Pontypridd Salerooms and Auction Mart in Gas Lane, Pontypridd. Initially his job was to carry small and light items and to assist the porters during auctions.

When one of the auctioneers, Elwyn Thomas, took over the company, Viv was trained as an auctioneer, having already learned a great deal about preparing auctions and valuing entries. At this time the company was trading from Market Square, Pontypridd.

Viv was a dedicated and conscientious worker and was trusted with managing the auction business as well as being the main auctioneer. Upon Elwyn Thomas's retirement he took over the business, seeing it through changing times and ultimately the move out of the town centre to its current location in Glyncoch.

Viv was an easy going person who ran his company on the principles of fairness and trust. He would always give the benefit of doubt and go out of his way to help, but he was also shrewd and not easily fooled. Because of the way he conducted himself, with honesty and integrity, many of his customers and clients became lifelong friends.

He was incredibly proud to be able to train his son, Kevin, as an auctioneer and to later see the business develop into the company it is today, Pontypridd Auctions Limited, with his daughter Kath, along with Kevin as the directors and auctioneers.

Few people stay involved in one company all their lives, especially when starting so young, but Viv loved his job and could not be happier to have passed on a family business. Even from hospital at the end, he still wanted to know what was in the next auction. Kath and Kevin will continue the business following the principles that Viv held so dear.

Viv is survived by his beloved wife Ann, their children Stephen, Kath, Sheila, Chris, Kevin, Matthew and 11 grandchildren.

A businessman who put his family first.