Kenneth Williamson, aged 65, from Thames Cleaning Centre sadly died on Tuesday 5th November 2019.
Ken, originally from Sherburn Hill, Durham, started his career in cleaning with a laundrette in Morpeth. After selling that business he opened the dry cleaners in Newton Aycliffe in November 1987.
Initially his parents, Joe and Joan, helped in the shop, they all built up a good rapport with the customers, followed with a small turnover in long standing staff, testament to him being a good employer.
Sadly Joe died, but Joan kept her hand in for many years with regular customers asking after her when she was no longer able to come to the shop.
Ken was fastidious in his work, training his staff to his high standards, resulting in business coming to him from out of town.
Ken regarded many of his regular customers as friends, as he got to know them and their families over the years. He became very well respected by all who knew him.
Kens priority in life, after his fathers death, was his mother, doing everything he could to see she was well looked after, spending his spare time tending to her garden, taking her shopping and taking holidays abroad and in England.
After unfortunately losing his mother in March 2018, Ken was supposed to be taking time for himself but sadly, by July, he fell ill with brain tumours which subsequently led to him taking early retirement.
His loyal staff, Julie and Paula, kept the shop trading until his terminal prognosis led to the closure of business in January 2019.
The mutual opinion of Kens long standing staff, Veronica (retired) 23 years, Julie 20 years and Paula 9 years was testament to Ken and what a fantastic boss he was. He was a pleasure to work with and a friend who was respected by everyone who knew him and often described as a “gentleman”.
He will be truly missed.
Funeral Service to be held at Durham Crematorium on Monday 18th November at 10.00am, all welcome.
