The funeral of Peter Barnes, Ipswich flooring and bed retailer will take place on 17 May.
He died on 30 April, aged 67 after suffering a stroke in August 2020 and contracting Covid in January 2021.
After leaving school he became a carpet fitter at the family business Barnes of Ipswich, which was originally set up by his grandfather George in 1939, before his father Tom took over the reins. Peter took on the business following his father’s death in 1987 and later set up the bed manufacturer and retailer The Bed Factory on the outskirts of the town.
Although he officially retired when he was 60, he continued to work part-time for two years.
‘As a young girl I idolised him like I’m sure many little girls do. We didn’t always see eye to eye and certainly through my teenage years I know I caused numerous sleepless nights and no doubt many tears,’ says his daughter Chloe, who runs The Bed Factory.
‘But fortunately, thanks to the business, we had time to completely change our relationship; he once again became my teacher, my role model and my inspiration. A massive part of him will live on in me for now and always. Although I am heartbroken I am so pleased he is now free from pain and a lifestyle for the past 20 months that he would have despised.’
He is survived by his third wife Wendy, three daughters, three step-children, 12 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
‘He never lost his memory or his sense of humour and could remember everything [after the stroke], but he caught Covid in January 2021 and never really recovered from it,’ says Wendy.
His funeral is due to be held at Seven Hills Crematorium, in Felixstowe Road, Nacton at 3pm. The family have requested no flowers, and instead will be accepting donations for the Stroke Association and Breast Cancer Research UK which can be made via Hunnaballs funeral directors.
Pictured are Peter and Wendy Barnes and his three daughters Michelle, Tanya and Chloe.
