Tributes to decent and respected businessman
A well-known businessman who earned his stripes as an auctioneer at Maidstone Market in the 1950s will be fondly remembered by friends and family today (Friday).
Basil Bishop, who died at the age of 84 last month, rose to the position of senior partner at one of Maidstone’s largest independent estate agents, Page & Wells.
Fellow partner David Page remembers him fondly as a “thoroughly decent man” who “had an incredible ability to do his best for clients and was very highly respected in our industry.”
The grandfather-of-two, of St Faith’s Lane, Bearsted, joined the business, which was founded in 1929, in 1949 when, as well as property, it sold produce too and he soon became a familiar face at local markets.
Mr Page said: “He was with us just a year and was doing very well but then had to go away for his national service. I remember us laughing about it at the time.
“He returned after he completed his spell.”
The horse racing and football enthusiast was happily married to his late wife Patricia for 45 years.
Mr Bishop’s daughter Belinda Prince, 45, said: “I have phoned people to inform them about my father’s death and have realised just how much he touched people’s lives. He used Rossco’s hairdressers in Snodland for god knows how long after finding them the property and built a great relationship with Mongers Garage who kept his beloved BMW going for 26 years.
“He will be missed by many whose lives he touched.”
Mr Bishop leaves behind his daughter, granddaughters Eleanor and Sophie and beloved shi tzu, Louis, who will now travel to live with Ms Prince in Dubai.
Mr Bishop’s funeral will take place at Holy Cross Church, in Church Lane, Bearsted, at 3pm today (Friday).