A MAN who will be remembered with affection as the former owner of Haslemere Bookshop has died.

Ronald Timms, 94, died suddenly in The Royal Surrey Hospital on May 21.

A Londoner by birth, Mr Timms grew up and spent his early life in Salisbury.

He moved to Haslemere to open his independent bookshop in Haslemere High Street some 20 years ago.

During his long life Mr Timms served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and moved to Wales after the war to join his family and ran a market garden.

He also owned several businesses including a building company in the 1940s.

Mr Timms returned to London where he was the financial director of a leading large retail jewellery company, before retiring to his home in Midhurst Road, from where he decided to open his beloved bookshop.

Describing his father as a “traditional gent”, his son Chris said: “He just liked the idea of having an independent bookshop and it happened to appeal to him.”

Married to Denise the devoted couple became well known in the town,before Mr Timms retired two years ago and sold the bookshop to new owners.

He leaves his wife, four children, ranging in age from 68 to 40 and one grandson. His funeral will be for family only. No flowers, but donations in his memory to Help for Heroes and Royal British Legion through G M Luff and Partners, funeral directors 84 Lion Lane, Haslemere.