Fish and chip shop founder and icon of business dies

THE founder of a much-loved North Devon chippy has died aged 92. Tributes have been paid to Braunton legend June Squire who died on April 25. Her funeral took place this week.

- by ABIGAIL NEEP

June was born in Barnstaple in 1932 and with her husband Gordon, opened Squires Fish and Chips in 1969, along with several other businesses in the area. June began her working career in her father’s butchers shop, where she learned a strong work ethic that went on to define her life.

In 1953, at the age of 21, June married her husband Gordon, beginning a life-long marriage and formidable business partnership.

The couple moved into a flat above a newsagents in Braunton. June's granddaughter Jane said: "June and Gordon relished the opportunity to be customer facing and June used to talk warmly of her memories of her loyal customers coming for their papers; making friends along the way. It was here where they fell in love with Braunton and decided to raise a family."