Barry Petty of Wensum Motors in Costessey dies aged 91

The oldest of 15 children, Barry was born on April 10, 1931.

He moved to Norwich with his next sibling Ian - who died in 2019 - to take over Wensum Motors in 1964, which the pair ran until 1980.

Another brother, Michael, also lived in the village for a few years with them before moving elsewhere.

Barry Petty, aged around five (Image: Heather Tritton)

Barry moved to the area for the business with his wife Pat - who he married on April 2, 1956 - and two daughters Sonia and Heather.

Sadly Pat died on his birthday in 1973, 50 years ago this coming Monday.

Barry Petty in around 1980, when he sold Wensum Motors (Image: Heather Tritton)

Wensum Motors, which expanded to sell fishing tackle - funnily served side-by-side with penny sweets for schoolchildren - was physically central to the village and a popular hub for villagers, motorists and fishermen alike.

Sonia remembers working on the petrol pumps aged around 14, with Heather sharing fond memories of the two sisters bundling into the back of Barry's Bedford van and sitting atop tins in which he would deliver hot lunches to schools in the area.

Wensum Motors in 1963/4 in the condition it was bought in by Barry and Ian Petty (Image: Heather Tritton)

READ MORE: Former city pub landlord dies in India 'trying to take photo'

In the 1970s he had a "very distinctive" ginger moustache, despite having near-black hair on his head.

On selling the garage he worked at Lotus as a test engineer, as part of the team that was remodelling the Elan. 

Barry was known for his dark hair and ginger moustache in the 1970s (Image: Heather Tritton)

READ MORE: Warning as rogue roofers target another home

During his lifetime he had a range of hobbies, including yachting, shooting, repairing clocks, gliding and narrow boating.

"He had a distinctive grin," Heather said. "He was always an absolute gentleman."

Barry died peacefully on March 25 aged 91 - or "nearly 92" as he constantly asked his family - at the N&N following a short illness.

Barry Petty on his 80th birthday in 2011 (Image: Heather Tritton)

He leaves behind his long-term partner, two daughters, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

His funeral will take place at Earlham Crematorium at 4.30pm on April 19, with those wishing to go to the wake needing to contact Heather and Sonia for details.

Wensum Motors when run by Barry Petty and his brother, Ian (Image: Heather Tritton)

• To read all of the Evening News obituaries and tributes click here.
• To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk.
• To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.