THE business community in Taunton is paying tribute to Dennis “Denny” Calvert, aged 90, who died recently following a short illness.
Mr Calvert was the chairman and managing director of the well-known and respected furnishings business located in Taunton town centre on Station Road.
Calverts was established in 1944 by Mr Calvert’s parents Dennis and Annie.
Mr Calvert joined the business in 1953 and took the helm following his father’s death in 1970.
Under his leadership, the business has expanded to encompass eight shop fronts on Station Road behind which are over 25,000 square feet of showrooms showcasing furniture, carpets, and soft furnishings.
Mr Calvert was educated at Eastcombe House Preparatory School and Richard Huish Grammar School before joining the Taunton branch of the Westminster Bank in 1949.
After completing his National Service in the Royal Air Force, he returned to the bank before joining the family business.
In 1959 he married Heather Lock at St Mary Magdelene in Taunton.
Heather joined the family business introducing a soft furnishing department and they have worked together ever since.
Mr Calvert was actively involved in many local organisations including Taunton Chamber of Commerce, Round Table, and Taunton Rotary Club having been a member since 1966.
Sue Calvert, his niece and fellow director, said: “After a lifetime involved in the furniture industry, my uncle built an enviable reputation for honesty and fair business dealings and earned the respect of suppliers and customers alike – he will be greatly missed by us all and leaves a wonderful legacy that we will continue to build upon in the future.
“We are looking forward to continuing that legacy as part of our 80th anniversary celebrations this year.”
Mr Calvert’s funeral was held in the Parish Church at Kingston St Mary on Friday, January 5.
The church was filled with family, friends, present and former members of staff and representatives of suppliers, and the many organisations of which he was a member – a testament to a life of friendship and service.
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