Ken Burgess, the beloved owner of Burgess Boys Pet Care Centre in New Addington, Croydon, has died peacefully at home at the age of 80. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the community he served for over four decades.
A Life Devoted to New Addington
Burgess ran the award-winning pet shop on New Addington Parade for more than 40 years, becoming a familiar face to generations of families. Even after retiring and closing the shop, he remained active in the community, helping to run the Christmas Lights committee and serving as an advisor to the Central Parade Business Partnership board.
His son, Paul, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, thanking the community for their support. "Thank you all for your kind and heartfelt words. Dad would be deeply touched by all of your kindness. He loved New Addington and everyone there. He was so proud to have been part of such an amazing community, one that he lived and breathed for since 1979," Paul wrote.
More Than a Shopkeeper
Paul described his father as a "true family man" and a "gentleman of morals and decency." He added, "His life's work was the pet shop and the parade. His passion was for people and community. He was always the teacher and would happily provide opportunities for anyone who wanted to learn more about animals and plants."
Ken's impact was evident in the countless Easter and Christmas pictures of local children that adorned the shop's walls, a source of immense pride for him. "It felt like half of New Addington had either worked in his shop or had at least one Easter or Christmas picture hanging above the counter, something that he was so proud of," Paul recalled.
Community Heartbreak
Social media has been flooded with tributes. One person wrote, "So sad to announce the passing of a gentleman who had New Addington and its community always in his heart - not just because of his shop he loved (Burgess Boys Pet Care Centre)." Another added, "Ken Burgess was more than just a local businessman, he was the heartbeat of New Addington, bringing joy and community spirit to everyone he met, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched."
Some residents have suggested honoring Ken with a plaque or even a statue. One commenter said, "It was sad to see his shop close. Maybe because he did so much for the community, a plaque could be put up by the old pet shop in his name." Another wrote, "This man deserves a statue on the Parade."
A Lasting Legacy
In 2019, Ken spoke to MyLondon about his plans to sell the shop, expressing his desire for it to remain a pet shop. "I want it to remain as the local pet shop and I have already rejected offers from businesses wanting to open a coffee shop. It's a service the community needs," he said at the time.
Paul noted that his father was sad to close the shop and hoped someone would carry on the legacy. "Dad was so sad to close the shop and always hoped it would remain a pet shop but could not find someone to take over the legacy. It was not an easy decision to close, and I think if he hadn't been so sick he would have been standing behind the counter to this day," Paul said.
Ken passed away peacefully at home, content with his life and without regrets. His family and the community he loved will remember him for his dedication, kindness, and the indelible mark he left on New Addington.
