Sadness at death of ‘amazing’ Wolverhampton shopkeeper
Tributes have been paid to a shopkeeper who had been at the heart of his community for more than 30 years.
Raj Kumar, of Ashmore Park Hardware in Wolverhampton, died suddenly on Saturday aged 52.
Flowers have been left outside the shop in Griffiths Drive, which Mr Kumar had run for more than three decades.
Members of the Ashmore Park community have paid tribute to Mr Kumar, who leaves behind a wife and daughter.
Councillor Rita Potter, who represents Wednesfield North, said: “Everyone here is absolutely devastated.
“He was an extremely popular man and he had been an advocate for the traders of Ashmore Park.
“He knew everyone here by name and he was so well liked. He was absolutely amazing and he would do anything for anyone.
“The flowers and the tributes which have been left outside the shop just shows what the community spirit is like there and he was a huge part of that.
“Everyone loved him, absolutely everyone. He was just like one of the family.”
It is understood Mr Kumar collapsed in his shop on Saturday.
Since his death tributes have flooded in on social media.
Andy Parkes, 51, who works at nearby Marie’s Deli, said: “He was cheeky and used to play everyone up. He was like family and will be sorely missed.”
Handyman Rob Banks, 50, is a customer of 25 years.
He said: “Raj was a fantastic bloke. Anything you needed he would get for you. If he didn’t have it he would get it for the next day.
“He was a very caring man who was always willing to help you.”
Justin Graham, also on Facebook, said: “There’s honestly not many people that are so well liked and no one has anything bad to say about.
“Raj was one of those men and It’s a shame and shock to all on Ashmore Park and those who knew him.”
In 1992 more than 2,000 people backed Mr Kumar in a battle with Wolverhampton council.
After the authority barred him from selling greetings cards, 2,360 people signed a petition which resulted in councillors overturning their original decision.
