Tributes after death of 'true gentleman' Doncaster garden centre boss

Garden centre boss Gary Plevey has died at the age of 81. Mr Plevey is pictured front right with his wife and four sons. (Photo: Pleveys Garden World).

Gary Plevey ran Plevey’s Garden World on Chappell Drive for a number of years – and the store is still in the family’s hands more than 40 years after he bought the business while on a gardening shopping trip.

Mr Plevey, 81, who is survived by his wife Pat and four sons Kevin, Carl, Lee and Scott died on May 22 at his home in Tickhill.

A lengthy tribute on the Pleveys Garden World Facebook page said: “Many of you will no doubt remember him with fond memories, he was a true gentleman, always trying to do the right thing by his family and customers.

The garden centre has been a familiar sight in Doncaster for many years.

“A devoted family man, he loved all his children and grandchildren. He did all he could to give us what we needed, be it a helping hand, a kind word or a telling off!

“He will be sadly missed, although his lessons carry on, as does the business that mum and dad started off so well.”

Growing up in Woodlands and Scawsby he was a keen cricketer and footballer, playing cricket for Brodsworth and Grasshoppers.

The tribute added: “Dad was also an active member of the Scouting movement, progressing to be a Scout Leader and often spent weekends and holidays at Squirrel Wood near Burghwallis. Again making friendships that would last a lifetime.”

His working life began at W. H Ottleys where he called on farmers as a seed and corn merchant.

Whilst there he realised the potential of a possible link with a milk farmer and set up a milk round.

Working the milk round early gave time in the day and he filled it up by doing gardening for people under the name Ridge Gardening – named after the Roman Ridge through Scawsby and the business grew and grew.

He was a customer of Mangan Seeds on Chappell Drive and when the opportunity arose to buy it, he and wife Pat stepped in.

The tribute added: “Our dad leaves a wonderful trail of friendships through all the parts of his life. He helped set up the junior cricket section at Doncaster Town Cricket Club and spent may happy days coaching and watching cricket there.

“He was a big fan of rugby, spending time at Doncaster Rugby Club, Wheatley Hills Rugby Club and watching Doncaster Phoenix.

“A big supporter of local sport, he really wanted everyone to enjoy sport, no matter what level they played.

“The messages we have already received show that many people held him in such high regard.

“He was a loving husband, a fantastic dad, a wonderful grandad, always having a genuine passion for other people’s interests and a kind word always offered.

“A really positive role model, he will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew him.”

The cortege will pass Pleveys Garden Shop on June 11 at around 10.30am and then pass Doncaster Town Cricket Club on Bennetthorpe around 10.35am

The funeral service is to be held at Rose Hill Cremetorium at 11am.

Family and invited friends only, inside the Cremetorium but it will be relayed outside.