Tributes paid to well-loved Wolverhampton war veteran and family butcher

Fred Robinson, the former owner of Robinson's Butchers in Tettenhall, passed away peacefully on February 9.

Family members described him as being an "amazing" husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Tributes from customers and colleagues said he was a "lovely man" and a "gentleman in every sense of the word".

The butcher shop was established by Fred's father Tom in 1905 and originally opened in Victoria Street in the city.

Mr Robinson joined the family business in 1939, working for four years before being called up for national service.

He joined the Irish Guards and served in Holland, Germany and Palestine before returning to the shop four years later.

Fred worked alongside his father and brother Alan – with the brothers taking over the running of the shop in 1948.

And after 75 years in the city, in 1980, Robinson's was moved to High Street, Tettenhall, and Fred became a well-known face in the area.

He continued to visit the shop weekly until 2020 – even after retiring aged 65 – which was taken over by his son and grandson.

Steve and Tom now run the butchers shop alongside its delicatessen and bistro Seats.

Steve, aged 59, said: "We couldn’t be prouder of all that my dad achieved, both in and out of the shop, in his 96 years. He ate well, drank well, and was always firm but fair.

"The shop continues with the same values that both he and his father set out all of those years ago, and we will continue to ensure these are upheld as he would have wanted.

"We would like to say thank you to everyone for their kind words - it is truly wonderful to see how loved he was."

Fred leaves behind wife of 63 years, Juliette, as well as children Steve, Judy and Joanne, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Due to restrictions, both the funeral and flowers are family only, but donations can be sent to M Jackson and Son Funeral Director for The British Heart Foundation.