Respected book shop owner will be sadly missed
Well known book emporium owner has died
The former owner of a popular book emporium in Scarborough has died aged 75.
Eric Kitson was well known among Scarborough for keeping the book emporium in Victoria Road open for over three decades before it closed a few years ago.
A private person, Eric lived alone with his beloved canine companion, Skippy, and despite suffering ill health he managed to get out for a walk around South Cliff on a regular basis.
He wa s , h o weve r, we l l known around the town and a much respected character.
Jayne Anne Strutt, one of Eric’s customers who kept in touch after he retired, said: “His book shop was l i ke an Aladdin’s cave of books, a book lover’s paradise.
“You would always need p l e nty o f t i me t o b r o ws e through the eclectic mix of stock and then probably end up having a heated debate with the proprietor to boot.”
Having run the book shop for more than 30 years, his face became about the town.
Jayne added: “Although regarded with great respect and affection by local people, he loved birds and animals first and foremost.”
He admired the countryside and the natural world, but could also be found on a park bench contemplating Scarborough’s iconic views across South Bay and often said how much he wanted the Futurist Theatre to be saved.
Jayne s ai d: “Eric would not ever knowingly offend anyone - beneath that tetchy Yorkshire exterior there was such a sensitive soul.
“He will be truly missed as a decent, honest yet, no-nonsense and straight- tal king Yorkshire man.”
On Sunday October 18, Eric sadly passed away .
J ay ne s a i d: “Er i c was a one- of f , c ompletely ge nuine, honest to the core, a true Yorkshire-man and a real independent character.”
His f uneral will be held on Thursday November 5 at Woodlands, Crematorium, Scarborough, at 11.20am.
Donations to animal charities in Eric’s memory would be appreciated.