The family of Eddie Topping, founder of Barton Grange Garden Centre, has announced that Eddie died on September 6 2021, peacefully with his family at his side.
Guy Topping, chairman of Barton Grange acknowledges: “Dad was such a huge character who touched the lives of so many people over many, many years.” Receiving hundreds of messages of condolence from people all over the world, Guy states: “He will be sorely missed but very fondly remembered for so many reasons.”
Tributes to Eddie from customers and colleagues include: “A true gent who always had time for anyone,” and “a wonderful man – he has left an amazing legacy.”
In February, Eddie stepped down as chairman of The Barton Grange Group (which includes the award winning cookshop at Barton Grange Garden Centre), after 65 years at the helm. A true retail pioneer, Eddie started his own market garden business in 1955, before setting up a landscaping company in 1957 and then opening the region’s first garden centre in 1963 in the grounds of the then Barton Grange Hotel. Eddie supported many local charities and organisations in the area and was awarded an MBE for services to charity in Preston.
The tributes to Eddie on Barton Grange’s Facebook page include: “You planted a seed that grew and grew and blossomed into something wonderful!”
An indicator of Eddie’s outstanding business legacy, Barton Grange Garden Centre Cookshop is among the finalists in the Excellence in Housewares Awards 2021.
Top: The late Eddie Topping, founder of Barton Grange Garden Centre. All are welcome to a celebration of his life (also live-streamed) on September 28. See Eddie’s obituary page at: www.greghodgkinsonfunerals.co.uk
