Community ambassador, Barry Harbour, of Roydon, who works at Rosedale Funeral Home, celebrates 50 years of service with family

A much-loved and valued community ambassador has celebrated 50 years of service with a family.

The director of Rosedale Funeral Home, Anne Beckett-Allen, 52, was just two years old when Barry Harbour, 77, of Roydon, started working for her dad Harold.

Since then, Barry has supported thousands of families.

Anne’s family formerly owned Rackhams Funeral Service and Rackams Builders as well as Home and Farm Supplies which later became Rackhams Building Supplies.

When Rosedale Funeral Home opened in 2004, which has branches including in Diss, Harleston and more, Barry was one of the first people Anne wanted on her team.

The pair have worked in the mortuary together for a number of years, but Barry also taught her how to run the payroll and even used to help check her blind spot on the dual carriageway after she got her first car.

Anne said: “As a youngster coming into the funeral profession more than 30 years ago, Barry took me under his wing and shared a lot of his knowledge and expertise around how to care for the deceased and I was always struck by his professionalism and dignity.

“The way Barry cares for the deceased is second to none and our family is so grateful for him.

“In every organisation there are those who shine quietly – Barry is one of them. He is a true gentleman and worth his weight in gold.

“He is incredibly valued by everyone who he works closely with.”

Anne said Barry continues to carry out vital mortuary duties for the funeral home with the utmost dignity and respect.

He also works closely with the University of East Anglia by picking up donations for them and helping Rosedale to fulfil its contract to convey those who have chosen to donate their bodies for medical research.

Barry, who is a keen photographer and worship leader at Diss Methodist Church, said it has been a pleasure to work with Anne and her family for the last five decades.

“They’ve been so good and kind to me over the years and I get on very well with them all,” he said.

“The 50 years have gone so quickly. It’s a bit crazy to think about, especially as I have known Anne since she was two.

“She’s a brilliant person and I’ve got such a lot of love for her.”

Anne added: “In whatever role Barry has carried out for the family over the years he has always had lots to contribute and he has often come up with lovely ideas to enhance the services that we offer at Rosedale,.

“Most notably it was down to Barry that we revamped the format of our Christmas Services of Remembrance and began inviting community choirs to join us at the services.

“Although he is very quiet and unassuming, he should not be underestimated.”