Tributes paid to the owner of Londis store in Hawtonville, Newark

Members of the community have paid tribute to the long-time owner of a popular estate store.

Thakorbhai Mistry, ran Londis on Hawtonville, Newark, for 38 years until his death on April 12.

Mr Mistry’s funeral takes place on Thursday (April 17) and the hearse will pause outside the Londis shop. Anyone wanting to pay their respects should be there for 2pm.

The man was described by many as having the ‘biggest smile on his face’ and a man who has seen a lot of families grow up, from children to parents.

Customers have taken to social media to pay their respects.

Maria Kyne said: “RIP to a true gentleman, with the biggest smile, a friend to so many over the years. Respected by everyone that knew him, the pouring of love just shows how loved he was, may it give comfort to his family to no he will be missed by everyone.

“Sending love to his wife, his children, to Surey and all the family.

“To all the staff that worked at the shop and all his friends, he is going to be missed.”

Lewis Marshall added: “RIP Thack. What a man he was!

“To put with us all when we were younger and little terrors to watching us become adults had such a laugh and smile when I walked in great man will be truly missed.

“Thoughts with you and your family.”

Leanne Hudson, who worked for Thakorbhai, said: “Always happy and making me laugh with his stories, a proper gentleman.

“RIP. You’ll be missed by many condolences to all the family.”

Another resident from the area and frequent customer, Jennifer Pollard described him as being ‘a big part’ of their lives in Hawtonville.

Ross Moore was another resident who expressed his sadness for the ‘lovely man’ with a ‘lovely family’.

He said: “He turned that shop into the heartbeat of the community and knew the whole estate by first name.

“All the best to his family.”