John Farley, who had worked at Red Triangle Stores in the market since 1952, was the longest-serving tenant and was well known to many people across the Island.
The shopkeeper was made an MBE just last year for his services to the community, both for his role at the Central Market and for his time spent working with local charities and organisations.
Kevin Farley, Mr Farley’s son, said: ‘He was a marvellous father and spent all his life working for the community. I think people will miss his generosity and his slightly wicked sense of humour.’
Mr Farley also spent more than 40 years working with the Lions Club of Jersey, of which he was once president, was president of the Jersey Green Room Club, spent six years as a States Deputy, more than 15 years with Jersey Cancer Relief, six decades with the Battle of Flowers Association and more than 60 years at Red Triangle Stores – after initially taking the job for a temporary six-week period.
The 86-year-old planned to emigrate to Australia in 1952 and took the job at the market store to tide him over for a short while until he left, but during that time he met his wife Jean, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years before she died last October.
Tony Perkins, chairman of the Battle of Flowers Association, said: ‘John was an incredible person and was involved in so many facets of Island life. Everyone will remember him from the Red Triangle Stores – whatever you wanted when you were out shopping, you could always find it in there.
‘It is very sad, but I have lots of happy memories of him.’
Kevin Farley said that the shop would remain in the family.
