Tributes paid to Ribble Farm Fare co-founder and former Longridge mayor David Coulston

David and Gwen Coulston. Pic: Ribble Farm Fare.

Tributes have been paid to the co-founder of Longridge-based Ribble Farm Fare, David Coulston, who has died aged 88.

Renowned for his love of Longridge and his time as mayor of the town, David was one of the driving forces behind Ribble Farm Fare, which delivers food to the catering industry across the North West and nationwide.

Announcing his passing on the Ribble Farm Fare Facebook page, the company paid heartfelt tribute to David.

It read: “Many of you will be aware, but it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ribble Farm’s original co-founder David Coulston. He passed peacefully aged 88 on 18 December.

“With his wife Gwen, David founded Ribble in 1964, originally as a potato merchant who worked with supermarkets such as Tesco. They made the decision to retire in the 1980s, but their sons Roger and Richard reincarnated the business, moving into the fruit and veg market and selling to the catering industry.

“Today the business is now third generation, with over 1,200 customers, 2,500 products in stock and over 70 vehicles.”

The firm’s vans are a regular site around Preston and beyond. Pic: Ribble Farm Fare.

It added: “David was incredibly proud of Ribble Farm; if you cut him open he would bleed out orange and green.

“He had huge respect for all the staff he employed throughout the years and was a strong proponent of the local community, which was shown in his time as Mayor of Longridge.

“Never one to shy away from telling people his thoughts, his wisdom will be missed by all, along with his presence on site.

“The family would like to thank everyone for their very kind words and messages. While David’s life should be celebrated, it is a huge loss to everyone.”

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