A 91-YEAR-OLD – who was Grimsby born and bred – will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Popular Ronald Burnett, known as Ron, sadly passed away at Bradley House Residential Home, where he spent the last 10 years of his varied and respected life.
Ron, the former owner of Burnett's Commercial Stationers, supplied schools and businesses around the area, including the Ross Group.
During this time, he became very good friends with many local businessmen and his store was known for having anything you could possibly need.
The business, which was established in 1878 by Ron's father and uncle, closed when Ron fell ill, aged 77.
It was purchased by the Caxton Players, who still use the building today on Cleethorpe Road.
Ron was also a keen ice hockey player. He played for the Redwings and later formed the Red Hawks team, before going on to become an international referee in the sport.
Ron's wife, Joan, died aged 47, and to help him through this difficult time, someone suggested that he could teach ice skating.
So in 1977, he began teaching at the Cromwell Road ice rink, part of Grimsby Leisure Centre, where he met Mary Robinson and her children, who he taught.
Mary said: "He became a really good friend of my family. He has nobody, his beloved wife Joan sadly died very young and Ron had no siblings.
"He was the last surviving member of the Burnett family. We became a family to him over the 36 years we knew him.
"He was a wonderful man. He was always immaculately dressed in a suit and tie. He was a true gentleman and a true friend.
"He was known for always driving a Mercedes and he had an extensive suit collection.
"He was a quiet and reserved man, who made a lot of friends."
A service was held at Grimsby Crematorium.
