Obituary: Family's tribute to Ipswich's Richard Pawsey

Richard "Bob" Pawsey, of F. W. Pawsey and Sons and a member of many societies, died at the age of 88 on October 26 after suffering a short illness.

His daughter Emma Pawsey said: “Dad was in very good health earlier this year.

“In April he was sailing and even climbed the conservatory roof, which I told him off for.”

Mr Pawsey was a loving husband to his wife Esme, who passed away 10 years ago, and was an “amazing dad” to his two children, Emma and Nicola as well as three adult grandchildren, Joseph, Oscar, and Monty.

Richard Pawsey with his two daughters and grandson (Image: Family archives)

Mr Pawsey was a part of a family business called F. W. Pawsey and Sons, a wholesale stationers and publishers which started after the war.

The four brothers started off by making paper bags in the back garden and then opened wholesalers and newsagents.

At the age of 70, Mr Pawsey sailed the Atlantic with his peers.

Emma Pawsey said: “There were so many charities my dad helped.

"He was also very big in Ipswich historical societies, he had an interest in Maritime Trust, Preservation Society and he was passionate about keeping the history of Ipswich alive.

Richard Pawsey (Image: Family archives)

“He’s done so many things for Ipswich and local people, but always kept it very quiet.”

Born in Bury St Edmunds, Mr Pawsey lived in Ipswich for most of his life.

He was known for organising trips on a 100-year-old barge and recently found an antique 150-year-old model of the ancient house in Ipswich and donated it back to the town.

200-year-old model of the ancient house (Image: Family archives)

Miss Pawsey said: “He was the kindest, most humble and decent man that I have ever met. We are proud to have called him our father. He has left a huge void in our lives.

“He didn't meet somebody without thinking - how can I help them?”

Geoffrey Dyball, the chairman of Ipswich Maritime Trust, added: “Bob was a man with a variety of interests, all of which he pursued with vigour and enthusiasm.

"His love of the water began in a small sailing dinghy, and grew to cruising in his favourite East Coast waters.

FW Pawsey and Sons in the paper (Image: Family archives)

“His was very much a 'can-do' attitude, backed by the spirit and strength to see the job through. He will be sorely missed by the IMT.”

Almost 200 people attended his funeral and paid their tributes, calling Mr Pawsey “a huge fan of Suffolk”.