Tributes have been paid to a popular Sutton Coldfield shopkeeper and city councillor who died of a heart attack.
Master butcher John Beadman was a dedicated community man, both as corner shop owner, running the family business, Ryland Road Stores, for many years, and latterly as Conservative councillor for the Sutton New Hall ward.
His close friend, council cabinet member Alan Rudge, said: “He had been ill recently, but had looked much better the last time I saw him. I will miss him. I met John many years ago when I was chairman of the Young Conservatives and we have been friends ever since.
“I used to pop in the shop all the time. It was a convenience store a bit like in Open All Hours. He was a likable chap and everyone in the area knew him.
“John was a master butcher with a meat counter in the shop. He was a good man to have at a barbecue.”
Coun Rudge said Mr Beadman eventually shut up shop and retired but remained active as a councillor.
“John was a good local councillor and thoroughly enjoyed his community work,” he added.
He was first elected to the Sutton New Hall ward in 2000 and had been an active member of the housing scrutiny and licensing committees.
His fellow Sutton New Hall councillor June Fuller (Con) said: “Everyone got on with John, he was everyone’s friend. He handled everyone in a gentlemanly manner.”
She added: “He said to me at his father’s funeral that he had golden parents and I think his parents had a golden son in John.
“He had been quite poorly and was recovering from a major operation. John will be sadly missed. He enriched all our lives with his dedication and his humour.”
