It is with much sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Thomas Palmer on Monday 1^st August. Tommy was a much loved and respected member of staff with Harwoods of London Ltd, having joined last September. His life ended suddenly at the young age of sixty.

Tommy lived in the East End of London and leaves behind his wife Karen, their three children, Amy, Louis and Harry and their grandson Ethan. Not forgetting Bella the dog. Tommy loved nothing more than fishing and watching boxing and football, but his passion was his family. He was a true family man and they meant everything to him.

Tommy spent around 20 years at New Spitalfields Market working for Prescott Thomas and Fresh & Fruity before making the move over to New Covent Garden Market. Jim Dew, Managing Director of Harwoods of London, said of Tommy: “He loved his job and nothing was too much trouble for him. He had a great character and liked nothing more than a laugh, a joke and a cigarette. Tommy was employed as a driver/warehouseman, but for us he was a true greengrocer….a real all-rounder. There is no-one who would have a bad word to say about him, He will be missed by us all."

Harwoods has placed a memorial on The Buyers Walk to commemorate Tommy’s life in the two Markets and will also be creating a permanent memorial, said Jim. “We are re-locating to our new home in New Covent Garden Market at the end of September and it was on that Monday morning when Tommy was showed our new units before he went home. His words were “it’s fantastic’’ and he could not wait for the move.

“Our new units will be named The Thomas Palmer Distribution Centre in Tommy’s memory next to our company signage.”

Funeral arrangements to be announced.