Ken Burgess has been described as a ‘family man’ who passed away peacefully at home
A man who has been described as having ‘New Addington’ at his heart has died aged 80. Tributes have poured in for Ken Burgess, who used to run the award-winning Burgess Boys Pet Care Centre.
The pet shop on New Addington Parade, in Croydon, had been a fixture for over 40 years. Ken had been the face customers would always find, serving generations of families. The shop closed down after he retired, but he remained an ever-present fixture in the area, helping run the Christmas Lights committee and serving as an advisor to the Central Parade Business Partnership board.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media. One person wrote: “So sad to announce the passing of a gentleman who had New Addington and its community always in his heart – not just because of his shop he loved (Burgess Boys Per Care Centre).
“A true family man, a gentleman and a man of morals and decency. Thinking of your family at this difficult time. New Addington was lucky to have known you, Ken, you have been, and now will, forever more, be missed.”
His son posted a heartfelt comment expressing his gratitude for people’s kind words. His son Paul wrote: “Thank you all for your kind and heartfelt words. Dad would be deeply touched by all of your kindness. He loved New Addington and everyone there. He was so proud to have been part of such an amazing community, one that he lived and breathed for since 1979,
“His life’s work was the pet shop and the parade. His passion was for people and community. He was always the teacher and would happily provide opportunities for anyone who wanted to learn more about animals and plants. It felt like half of New Addington had either worked in his shop or had at least one Easter or Christmas picture hanging above the counter, something that he was so proud of.
“Dad was so sad to close the shop and always hoped it would remain a pet shop but could not find someone to take over the legacy. It was not an easy decision to close, and I think if he hadn’t been so sick he would have been standing behind the counter to this day. He passed away peacefully at home yesterday morning, content with his life and with no regrets. Thank you, New Addington, for making my dad so happy and for being so generous to him and our family. He will miss you all.”
Tributes poured underneath the post as people shared their memories of Ken, showing the impact he had on the Croydon community.
One person wrote: “Ken Burgess was more than just a local businessman, he was the heartbeat of New Addington, bringing joy and community spirit to everyone he met, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.”
Another person wrote: “It was sad to see his shop close. Maybe because he did so much for the community, a plaque could be put up by the old pet shop in his name.”
His pet shop had been much loved by the new Addington community, Back in 2019, he spoke to MyLondon, when he was planning on selling the shop. He was adamant that even though he wanted to sell the business, he wanted it to remain a pet shop.
He said at the time: “I want it to remain as the local pet shop and I have already rejected offers from businesses wanting to open a coffee shop. It’s a service the community needs.”
It is clear the impact Ken had on the community, and now, in the wake of his passing, some people want to see a statue built in his honour, in addition to a plaque.
Another person commented, “This man deserves a statue on the Parade.”
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