William Boyle, a former Hamilton mayor who grew the family shoe shop into a chain of businesses, has died at the age of 82.

His life will be marked with a memorial service at the Anglican Cathedral on Monday and all seven of the family stores will close for the day.

Mr Boyle’s son Richard said Mr Boyle’s four children viewed him as “a family man first, friends second, and business probably came third”.

Richard added: “He did a great job, but that’s not what drove him; he enjoyed life, he loved his wife, Ann, his children, and his 11 grandchildren.

“He had his priorities in the right spot.”

Another son, Courtland, recalled him as deeply proud of the family name on his businesses, while daughter, Tori Powell, said their father “loved having his boys to continue the business”, with his third son, Graham, also involved.

Known to his many friends as Bill, Mr Boyle took the helm at the WJ Boyle and Son shoe company at an early age when his father Norman died when he was still in college.

Mr Boyle finished his education, then went on to manage the family firm.

Mr Boyle enjoyed interaction with his customers and committed to public service; he served on the Corporation of Hamilton in a variety of capacities.

He was elected mayor in 1994, succeeding Cecil Dismont, and held the post until his retirement in 1997.

Mr Boyle told The Royal Gazette after he became mayor: “Hamilton is the heart of Bermuda and I hope to make the whole Corporation of Hamilton more visible to the public.”

Under Mr Boyle’s watch, a strategic plan was drafted for the city’s development.

Hamilton also built its multistorey car park at Bulls Head and the city installed crime-fighting security cameras.

Mr Boyle’s public service included support for the Salvation Army. A member of the Rotary Club, he also served on the Chamber of Commerce. He was also an avid sportsman, playing tennis and football.

Monday’s service in Mr Boyle’s memory will be held at 4pm, with donations to the Salvation Army requested in lieu of flowers.

Boyle’s was founded in 1884 by Mr Boyle’s grandfather, William James Boyle, who represented St George’s first as a parliamentary representative and then as mayor.

The company has served for generations as the island’s quintessential shoe shop.