Tributes have been paid to a former builder and family sweet shop owner whose work is well remembered by residents of Christchurch.
Much loved businessman Anthony Richard Keffen, who ran Keffen’s Sweet Shop in Purewell, died peacefully at Royal Bournemouth Hospital earlier this month at the age of 85.
Known by his middle name, Richard was born, raised and lived in the Christchurch area – and is remembered for running the sweet shop at 126 Purewell which he took on with his wife Christine after his mother died.
He was also a successful builder and carpenter, working out of a workshop behind the confectionery business.
Notably, he played a key role building the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and collaborated with award-winning architect Gordon Robbins across Christchurch.
Paying tribute to his father, David Keffen said: “[Dad] had a strong moral compass and principles that he lived by. I never knew him lie, I never saw him shrink from responsibility however hard the problem was, and his door was open to all who needed it to be.
“His kindness to others was the thing I am most proud of. He set a standard that I can never live up to. I will miss him and his strong sense of humour.
“I look forward to meeting him again one day.”
Residents took to social media to pay their respects to Richard, with fond memories expressed over his work in the area.
Marion Hurley said: “I remember your father in the sweet shop. I used to pop in to buy the penny sweets when I was a young girl living at Purewell. He was such a lovely man.”
Richard is also remembered by a community of Vietnamese nationals who emigrated to the UK as children in the 1970s. With wife Christine, Richard welcomed the children to the area and helped them settle.
One of those children, DucQuan Tran, also paid tribute to him. He said: “I feel very sad because Richard was my first friend when I arrived in England. I met Richard in October 1979 when he invited me to go swimming with his son David, who was around the same age as me.
“I have many fond memories with Richard and his family and I will always remember his kind and friendly smile.”
A memorial service for Richard is scheduled to take place on August 26 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Purewell.
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