THE family of a Lichfield business owner have paid tribute following his death.
Graham Roberts, who had owned city shop Graham’s Cycles, died on 27th January.
His family said he would be remembered for his “passion and dedication”.
They said:
“Graham shared a life filled with love, laughter and countless cherished memories.
“His legacy extends beyond his family. As the heart and soul behind Graham’s Cycles – for many years the only cycle shop in Lichfield – he brought joy and community to countless people.
“His passion and dedication shaped a local institution. His impact on the Lichfield community will never be forgotten.”
Graham’s funeral will be held at Lichfield and District Crematorium in Fradley at 10.30am on 26th February, followed by a wake at the The Feathers on Beacon Street.
So many adults today who were brought up in Lichfield will have memories of getting their first bike from Graham. Such a lovely man who will be missed but always remembered.
Graham was a kind and generous man who saw the best in people. He gave me my first job as a teenager despite having no experience whatsoever other than I knew how to build and maintain bikes. He gave me a chance to prove myself when most employers would’ve just seen a young person with zero experience and promptly shown them the door. I wasn’t the only one, around the turn of the millennium he employed several of us who desperately wanted to work in the shop because we were obsessed with bikes. We learned quickly from Graham about how retail worked and working at the shop quickly became more than a job, it was a source of pride, the shop being a success meant as much to us as it did to him. Graham’s extended family were always a presence in the shop and each of them touched our lives in different ways, I feel greatly for each and every one of them. I stayed in touch with Graham right up until his retirement and his passing is a loss to us all. I’ll miss him.
I wonder at the mentality of people who down tick on an article about the death of a popular local businessman who people obviously thought a lot of?
Alex (we know who you are!) has said it all. Graham would do anything. No big profits, no vast stock, no massive advertising, just sensible sales and service at prices we could all afford. Everyone, from the lycra clad sports cyclist to the gent with the handlebar mounted basket was given equal respect. A true Knight of the road.