Friends, customers and the wider business community have paid tribute to the owner of a popular north-east coffee chain.
Mother-of-four Wendy Haggath, who ran Symposium Coffee with her husband Paul, has died at the age of 42.
The couple have built up the chain over the last 17 years, with 10 branches across Aberdeenshire including Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Portsoy, Ellon and elsewhere.
Thousands pay tribute
Posting on the firm’s Facebook page, Mr Haggath confirmed his wife had tragically died in her sleep.
All Symposium coffee houses were closed on Saturday and Sunday as a result.
On Facebook, Mr Haggath wrote: “My darling Wendy-Louise tragically passed away in her sleep. My girls and I are devastated…
“We have a big and strong family around us but I ask for you to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
“So disappointed, Paul xx
“Absent from the body, present with Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
‘An amazing and truly wonderful person’
Thousands have reacted to the news online with about 1,000 leaving their own tribute on Symposium’s Facebook page.
Leanne Taylor wrote: “I’m so very sorry to be reading this, Wendy was amazing and a truly wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.”
Mhairi Philip wrote: “I am so devastated to read this.
“I met Wendy many years ago when she was doing her Level 3 childcare award. I think your (the family’s) eldest was just a baby.
“She was wonderful, compassionate, fun, loving and will be so sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.”
Phil Maciver wrote: “So sorry to hear this – she was such a lovely lady with an amazing smile.”
Dianne Stewart wrote: “There are no words Paul, she was one of the loveliest and unbelievably kind people I have had the pleasure of knowing.
“Whilst I only knew her for a short period of time she made a huge impact on me and I feel privileged to have known her.”
‘Memories forever’
Apex Church in Peterhead cancelled its online service on Sunday and instead asked people to attend in person for a service of worship and reflection.
Friends said Mrs Haggath had a “huge heart” that never stopped giving, and said they would “miss her forever”.
Others described her as a “force of nature”.
Louise Reid wrote: “Wendy was a force of nature. Not one in a million but one in a lifetime! Sleep easy sweetheart – you are so loved.”
Growth of family-run Symposium
The couple, who were married for more than 20 years, opened their first branch in Peterhead in 2005 after Mr Haggath spotted a gap in the market for quality espresso-based drinks.
The couple created their own signature coffee blend and continue to expand the business.
Turriff has already been earmarked for an outlet while other locations in the north-east are also reported to be in mind.
In January the firm had 72 employees.
Conversation