FPJ is sad to report the death of Phillip Dean, founder of popular New Covent Garden Market wholesaler Mushroom Man.
Dean, aged 65, died suddenly on 13August and is survived by his childrenTom, Tanya and Lia.
Dean’s colleague Nick Sharma paid tribute to his former boss. He said: “Phillip’s sheer knowledge and love for mushrooms over his 50-year career at this market, which he loved, will never be equalled. 'His sense of humour kept all the traders smiling and his presence will always stay with us.”
Dean was a champion of wild mushroom varieties, importing mushrooms from as far as South Korea and China on a weekly basis. He told FPJ in an interview last year: 'I'd love to see wild mushrooms become more mainstream in UK supermarkets and it makes me happy that I am able to promote the benefits of different mushroom varieties on a daily basis.'
Dean's son Tom had opened up a mushroom stall at London's Portobello Market last November and Sharma said that Phillip was 'extremely proud' to see his son follow in his footsteps.
The committal service of remembrance for Dean was held today - Wednesday 28August at 4pm - at Putney Vale Cemetery. The hearse funeral procession started at 3pm from the main entrance gates at New Covent Garden Market.
The family of Phillip Dean has asked mourners to donate to mental health charityMind.
