Tributes have been pouring in following the death of former pet shop owner Ken Burgess, who ran the popular Burgess Pet Care Centre in South London.

Ken, who died peacefully at the age of 80, was a well-known figure in New Addingham where he ran the pet shop until its closure in recent years.

His son Paul said on social media: “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, when he moved his wife Gill, and three young sons (for which he named the shop after) to live above the pet shop.

“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. 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.

“His work with the Christmas lights and the Central Parade Business Partnership were central to who he was. Thank you to Mick, Helen, Ersan and countless others for being his friend and partner in those long-lasting endeavors. He leaves a legacy built with his community at its heart.

“For the past six years he lived with pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative lung disease. This didn’t stop him from working, far from it, it made him all the more determined to work even harder. Just one example was to get the rear service road fixed, spending time writing emails, calling folks and lobbying councillors and others at the council.

“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.

“He passed away peacefully at home, content with his life and with no regrets. Thank you, New Addington, for making my dad so happy and for being so generous to him and our family. He will miss you all.”

Tributes poured in for Ken on social media, bringing in nearly 500 comments, including:

• “New Addington was lucky to have known you Ken, you have been, and now will, forever more – be missed.”
• “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.”
• “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.”