THE founder of Park Furnishers has passed away, aged 95.
Well-known Len Coller set up the Bedminster-based business in 1967 after a distinguished career as a Tank Commander in the 7th Armoured Division, known as The Desert Rats.
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Len Coller
After bravely serving his country, he spent eight years in the newly formed NHS as chief administrator.
In the late 50s, Len set himself up as a mobile greengrocer, but during the early 60s, while enjoying a family holiday in Portugal he stumbled across a little shop which had a dining set in it that he thought would be a perfect addition to their kitchen back home.
At the end of the holiday, Len returned to the shop and after some fierce negotiation agreed a discounted price.
Back home, Len received many compliments on the dining set from friends and neighbours. Some even joked that if he ever went back to the shop, could he bring one back for them. The following year the family did return to Portugal, but this time in a lorry.
With a new string to the business' bow, sales of furniture soon overtook those of fruit and vegetables and Sandy Park Road Furnishers, as it was then known, came into existence in 1967.
Len handed the grocery round to his uncle Fred, while he sold the furniture during the day and delivered it during the evening.
It was not long before he had established a very successful business.
During the 1970s, with the help of one of his sons, Deryn, the business expanded and branched out, with other stores opening across the city.
In 1977, the business moved to Willway Street, Bedminster, where it remains today.
In August 1979, Combined English Stores made the family an offer they could not refuse and the Collers sold the business. But two years later, as Park Furnishers was on the verge of folding, CES sold the business back to them for just £1.
The next few years were tough, but through good management and a willing, faithful work force, the damage was repaired.
In 1994, after a period of semi-retirement, Len retired from the business, handing it over to Deryn.
His grandchildren Tim and James now run the firm.
Len was proud of Park Furnishers' support of sport in the city over the years, including sponsorship of Bristol Rugby and the Park Furnishers hot air balloons that can often be seen flying over the city.
An Army Sergeant, he was a veteran of the infamous battle of El Alamein in Egypt, in 1942, and was awarded the Military Medal.
As well as his business and military exploits, Len also featured in the Post in 2006 when he celebrated his 90th birthday, pictured above.
His family organised a massive surprise for him – a Sherman tank.
In a Second World War-themed party, guests all wore costumes and actors were hired to play the roles of Montgomery and Winston Churchill.
Len, a great-grandfather, passed away on May 29.
He was married to Violet and leaves sons Deryn, Gerald and Simon, by whom he will be very sorely missed.
Source: www.thisisbristol.co.uk
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