Ron Starns passed away on March 18, at the age of 79.
Ron joined the family wholesale business L&H Starns Ltd after leaving school in 1944. He took over the running of the family business after the death of his father Fred Starns in 1966, running the firm with his two elder brothers Fred and Norman.
In 1969, Ron oversaw the takeover of A Parrish & Sons Ltd. Over the next two decades, the business continued to expand, and by the late 1980s it comprised a group of companies trading in New Covent Garden Market and Western International Market, as well as Spitalfields Market.
Ron was chairman of the Spitalfields Market Tenants’ Association from 1965-68 and of the London Federation of Fruit, Flower & Vegetable Trades and Port Association. Also an executive member of the National Federation of Fruit & Potato Trades, he joined the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers in 1969 and was elected Master in 1985. Ron was a strong and fervent supporter of the Worshipful Company and considered becoming the Master a great honour, of which he was immensely proud.
Ron retired in 1994. His hobbies included growing orchids, watching cricket, golf, theatre and dining out.
He leaves behind his wife Pat, with whom he celebrated his golden wedding anniversary last summer, son Paul, daughter Carole and four grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at 11am on Wednesday, April 1, at Randalls Park Crematorium in Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0AG. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Princess Alice Hospice, West End Lane, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8NA.
Our condolences to the Starns family.
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