The daughter of a long-standing stall holder has paid tribute to her father, who dedicated his entire life to trading at Walthamstow market.
Ronald Batty, known to many as the "true gentleman" of the High Street market, passed away aged 86 at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford on April 7.
He was admitted to hospital with a broken wrist following a fall at his home in Burnham-on-Crouch but developed pneumonia and died six weeks later.
As the son of Rose Batty, the first-ever licensed stall holder at Walthamstow market, dating back to 1885, he kept the family tradition alive selling flowers with his wife Jean Batty.
The couple set up their stall after getting married in the late 1940s and were together for more than 60 years before Mrs Batty passed away in January 2008 following a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Photo of Ronald and his wife Jean trading at Walthamstow market
As the youngest and only surviving sibling of seven, Mr Batty continued trading on the High Street until 10 years ago when he had a stroke at the age of 75.
The couple moved from Blackhorse Lane to Burnham-on-Crouch to be closer to their family as Mrs Batty's health deteriorated 12 years ago.
They are survived by seven children and 59 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Daughter Linda Clark, 59, said her parents often sold flowers at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone and would walk from the High Street to High Beech to sell flowers.
"Ron loved the market. It was the only job he ever had and would always be there come rain or shine,” she said.
"He wouldn't even go on holiday he loved it so much.
"He was known as the true gentleman of Walthamstow market as he always wore a white collar shirt and tie no matter what the weather was like.
"My dad always had respect for people and was as honest as they come.
"He was hard working, generous, caring, very comical and happy-go-lucky type of guy.
"He loved children and idolised my mother. He was loved by so many people and will be missed terribly."
His sister Lilly Bonner also had a stall selling fruit and vegetables which she used to run with her sons. Her son, David, took over the family business and still sells along the High Street.
The Batty family are welcoming people that knew him to attend the funeral on May 12 at 1.30pm at St Mary's Church in Church Road, Burnham-on-Crouch.
The couple were the second generation of flower sellers with Mr Batty's mother Rose as the first-ever licensed stall holder
If there is anyone that would like to pay tribute to Mr Batty, please contact natalie.glanvill@london.newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here