Tributes paid to Henry Ruse, of Ruse & Son butchers, in Long Melford, near Sudbury

A former butchers shop owner has been remembered as a devoted family man and business leader with a deep passion for his community, following his death at the age of 81.

Henry Ruse – the figurehead behind Ruse & Son butchers in Long Melford for half a century – died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on May 21.

Having spent his entire life in the village, Mr Ruse was described as ‘a true Melfordian and proud to be’.

Born and raised at Ruse House, he took over his family’s shop in Hall Street in 1966 – becoming the fourth generation of the Ruses to do so.

From there, he ran the business for 49 years until his retirement in 2015, when he handed over the reins to his daughter, Lizzie Cross.

Although the business closed in 2020, after 160 years of trading, Mr Ruse was present for the symbolic handover to another butchers, Blackwell & Co, which opened at the same site last year.

In addition, he was also renowned for his knowledge of local history and people, and maintained close ties with Long Melford Heritage Centre and the Historical and Archaeological Society.

Paying tribute to her father, Kate Temple said: “We were so blessed to have him home and that all his grandchildren and great grandson were able to spend time with him and say goodbye.

“Henry was born in Long Melford, lived his whole life there, raised his family and ran the butchers shop in Hall Street.

“He was devoted to his family, his work and his community. Henry was deeply passionate about the history of the area.

“His ability to recall and remember the characters of Long Melford and village life remained unchanged, even in the last days of his life.

“He always said ‘you’re only as good as the last piece of meat you sold and how good your staff are’. He was a fine businessman and a wonderful father.

“He loved his walks up Kentwell Hall avenue and along Hare Drift. He could name where every Melford family lived and recollect the characters which make Long Melford such a special place.

“As a family, we could not have wanted more – he was our rock.”

The funeral service for Mr Ruse will take place at the Holy Trinity Church in Long Melford on Tuesday, June 17, from 1pm, with all welcome to attend.