Tributes flood in for much-loved Wolverhampton butcher
Tributes have flooded in for a much-loved Black Country butcher who has died aged 76.
Grandfather Colin Bates, the former owner of Bates Butchers, in Pendeford Ave, Wolverhampton, was laid to rest on Monday. He passed away on August 15.
Dozens of people lined the street outside his shop as a hearse passed by bearing his body.
Mr Bates, of Wolverhampton, was described as a “kind soul” and an “amazing husband, father and grand father,” by his daughter Caroline Bates, 44.
The business was formerly owned by his grandmother and then father. Mr Bates joined the company aged around 11 and eventually took over the running of the business. He also is a past president of the Midland Council of Butchers.
Mr Bates retired at the age of 70 but would still help out the family business at Christmas. His son Daniel, 46, now runs the shop.
Caroline added: “I would like to thank all the people that were outside the shop. So many people came out - customers, suppliers, friends and family. He was very popular and very loved.”
