Family of former Leighton Buzzard shopkeeper pay tribute to 'loving man'

The family of a well-known former Leighton Buzzard shopkeeper has paid tribute to their 'loving' dad and thanked the town for their support.

Fred King, who ran Bargain Clothing Stores in Leighton Buzzard for 45 years, sadly passed away on Thursday, February 27, surrounded by his family.

He was born in 1928 in Stewkley and returned to Leighton Buzzard after he was demobbed from the RAF in 1948.

He began working at Bargain Clothing Stores and he met his wife, Beryl, who worked at the Greengrocers across the road.

The couple went on to have two children, both were born in the flat above the shop on Bridge Street - they also had six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Fred's daughter Allyson Bates has paid tribute to him. She said: "Dad was offered a job at the bargain clothing store, it was three shops together as one, they stocked everything.

"I was a Saturday girl, and my brother worked there too.

"My dad knew everyone in the town and he loved his job, when he retired he said he would miss the customers the most.

"We had some right characters shop with us, but we all have some great memories.

"My dad could sell sand to an Arab, he really had the gift of the gab, he was a people's person.

"He could turn any negative situation to a positive and he was very strong willed.

"He was such a caring, loving man and he was my best friend, we looked after him and always made sure he was okay.

"He is going to be greatly missed by us all."

When Fred retired at 65 he started doing his gardening, which his family say he loved doing.

He also cared for his wife before she passed away in October 2018. She had Alzheimer's and the family has asked for any donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Society.

Allyson added: "We want to thank everyone for their support, from the customers to the people that have supported us as a family.

"The support we have received over the last few years from the community has been amazing, we want to thank everyone."

The funeral will be taking place at St. Leonard’s Church in Heath and Reach on Thursday 19th March at 3pm.

> What are your memories of Fred? Email [email protected].