Tributes to Knutsford's 'Mr Toy Shop' for making dreams come true

Always smiling and cheerful, Ken Andrew served generations of families at Hal Whittaker’s toy shop in Princess Street.

The much-loved shopkeeper has been hailed ‘a true ambassador of the town’ by customers recalling their treasured childhood memories.

Customers remember buying their first toys from Ken Andrew in his beloved toy shop

Many remember buying Tri-ang and Hornby train sets, Lego and their first teddy from his wooden counter.

The 96-year-old died on July 21, two days before sharing his 62nd wedding anniversary with beloved wife Marjorie.

“We have lost a great man,” said daughter Julie Furness.

“The toy shop was very much his baby and his passion.

READ > Knutsford wine merchant Morgan Edwards moves to bigger premises

Ken Andrew has been hailed as 'true ambassador of the town'

“He loved amateur dramatics, the shop became an extension of a stage.

“He would put on puppet shows for kids and won their rapt attention.”

Knutsford-born Ken was a successful salesman when he bought the former photography shop in Princess Street in 1969.

The pioneering entrepreneur introduced fireworks and launched a Christmas club.

Ken Andrew described by his family as 'selfless in every sense of the word'

“It was quite innovative,” said Julie. “Families could put money away each week to spend on kids at Christmas.

“He used to go to toy fairs in London, Harrogate and Brighton.

“He was very good at spotting the next big thing. We were popular at school as we always had the latest craze in toys as an experiment.”

Son Stuart, who took over the family business in the early 80s, said it was hard for his dad to let go.

Ken Andrew with family dogs Daisy and Kitty

“He wanted to be in the shop all day every day,” said Stuart.

“He knew all the customers personally.

“I try to make sure everything he used to do still stands. His old fashioned core values were instilled in all of us.

“He was selfless in every sense of the word.

Ken Andrew knew all his customers personally

“Every child should have the memory of a toy shop rather than the faceless world of going online.”

Eldest son Mark described how his dad rose through the ranks, completing National Service with the South Lancashire Regiment.

Ken Andrew served with the South Lancashire Regiment during National Service

“He served in India and Burma, came back to Sandhurst and became a captain and then went back to Palestine and was in charge of the military in Jerusalem.”

Ken’s family has been overwhelmed by fond memories shared by the local community.

Julie said: “Everyone describes him as a warm, kind and generous man.

“He had a fabulous sense of humour, a family man who was proud of all of us.”

He was a keen photographer and member of Knutsford Golf Club and has two grandchildren, Olivia, 21, and Josh, 18.

Ken’s funeral is on Monday, August 1, at 10.30am at Birches Crematorium.