Barry Albin-Dyer, the funeral director who helped and comforted thousands of people through his long career and charitable work, has passed away, it was announced today.
The Bermondsey figurehead, who built up and expanded F.A. Albin & Sons, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He had been battling brain cancer for well over a year, and as reported in last week’s News, took a turn for the worse and had returned home from hospital two weeks ago.
Barry’s doting sons, Simon and Jon, stated on the Albins website that he had ‘fought to the end’. “We are so proud of him and we offer our sincere thanks for all the many prayers and messages of support that we have received,” they added.
Among a wide array of business interests and charitable work that he headed up, Barry also singlehandedly saved the Southwark News from going under back in the 1990s, keeping it going ‘for the people of Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and Southwark’ and ensuring its viability before arranging for it to be taken on by its current owners. In a joint statement, managing directors Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn said: “We are so deeply saddened to learn of Barry’s death. He was a real mentor – an unwavering and loyal friend to us and the paper – there simply would not be a Southwark News without him. Throughout our time at the paper, we have always relied on him for advice and support and he was never too busy to help. We join with the many thousands of local people in mourning the passing of a truly wonderful man, and send our deepest condolences to Simon, Jon and all the family at this sad time.”
Long-time family friend and former Bermondsey MP, Simon Hughes, who was with Barry and his family this morning before his death, commented: “If anybody represented the best of Bermondsey, that person was Barry Albin. He loved and cared for thousands, probably tens of thousands of people and families and they and we all loved him back. His whole family have been just wonderful in his final days and have watched over him like angels in the difficult last hours before his death today. They have our love and prayers and support and that will continue always, because nothing can undo what Barry has done and given and meant to Bermondsey for so many years.”
Southwark Council Leader, Cllr Peter John, commented: “I am so sorry to hear of Barry’s death. He was a genuinely kind and generous man who offered strength, comfort and support to so many at their times of greatest need. He was the best of Bermondsey and Southwark and was a great ambassador for our area. Together with so many whose lives he touched, I will truly miss his friendship, advice and support.”
A full tribute to Barry will feature in next Thursday’s Southwark News. Please send any personal tributes to us at: news@www.newsatden.co.uk
Very sad news RIP Barry Albin he looked after the people of Bermondsey and the rest of Southwark for years. Thoughts and prayers are with his family
so sad ,such a lovely man,was there with my family at some of our difficult times
so sad, such a lovely man Him and his family got me and my family through some difficult times in 2006 with my husband and mothers departure RIP Barry Albin xx
such a lovely man ,Barry and his family helped my family through some horrendous times in 2006 with us loosing my husband,then my mother and friends R I P Barry the world has lost a very special man xxx
R,I,P BARRY U DONE MY SON FUNERAL YEARS AGO. U DONE EVERYTHING FOR ME THAT DAY I WILL NOT FORGET THAT DAY AND I WILL NOT FORGET U R I P X
A REAL GENTLEMAN IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD,, HE UNDERSTOOD PEOPLE’S GRIEF WITHOUT PATRONIISING .
R.I.P. Barry such a Gentleman.x 🙁
A true bermondsey legend gone but never forgotten ,fly up to the Angels now and look down on us as we as a nation celebrate your life x
My maiden name was Hannan and my dads name was lesley I no of no other hannans my dad came from Waterloo his dad was George any link ?
so sad to hear the passing of barry a true gentlemen most helpful man and a loving person to all the people in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe will be sadly missed but not forgotten r.i.p .. tony davies
An amazing family – Barry and his boys were exceptional at my son’s funeral. Everything was undertaken with the utmost sensitivity. A true gentleman, RIP Barry and God Bless his family. xx
I have read all of your books Barry , you were an amazing funeral director . May the peace of our lord surround your family . God Bless your path .
R.I.P Barry. You and your boys conducted my father in laws funeral. You arrived early, you stood talking to my mother in law, asking her about dad. She mentioned he never went any further than the local at the top of the road. When we left the house, you walked in front. When we passed the pub, you stopped for a minute silence. You didn’t ask, you didn’t have to. You were a true professional. Fly high. Xx
Rest in peace Barry, you have done a great job for the people of Rotherhithe and will be truely missed.
Jim , Julie , Joe , Carly.
Rest in peace Barry, My thoughts and loving prayers are with you and your family.
Also if i could i would like to thank you and your company F.A. Albin & Sons, for everything you did for and my family when my mum passed away two years ago and you helped me to conduct a lovely service for her. God bless Xx
RIP Barry you was a true man to your self and family now its your time to watch over your love ones I remember you did my mums and you help my family so its how turn to help your family god bless all your family
Rip Barry ,it was a pleasure knowing you and thanks for the kind words and good advice you gave me over the many years that I knew you
RIP Barry. You conducted both my mother and grandmothers funeral, and that of my friends son a few years ago. I can remember all these events as sad occasions, but still remember the kindness and humanity of your presence that shone though, to temper the grief of the occasions. Bermondsey will NEVER forget you.