Tributes were paid to a “cheeky, lovable and sympathetic” mechanic who ran his own business for almost 50 years.
Bob Beeby opened his own garage on Gold Street in March 1970, after completing an apprenticeship at the former Peck & Packer site on Dartford Road.
Bob passed away at the age of 76 earlier this month.
His wife Christine said: “I liked it as soon as I saw it. He was cheeky, lovable, and a kind man.
Bob left school at age 15 before entering an apprenticeship.
– Credit: Family
Born December 17, 1944 in March Maternity Home, Bob attended the town’s Burrowmoor and Hereward schools before leaving school at the age of 15.
He then joined Peck & Packer Ltd to complete an apprenticeship of around five years, before deciding to start his own business.
“I don’t think there was anyone in the family who was that way mechanically inclined,†said Angela, Bob’s sister.
“Bob was proud of his good work, had several clients in his garage and I think it was mostly word of mouth. ”
Bob opened his own mechanical business on Gold Street in March 1970 and remained there throughout his career.
– Credit: Family
Bob married Christine (left) after meeting in the old Great Northern pub in March.
– Credit: Family
While on Gold Street, Bob trained young engineers, some of whom ran their own businesses, including Adam Sutton who runs a garage on Norwood Road.
Angela remembered that her brother was someone who took great care of any job that came his way.
“He hated cowboys because they were so dangerous,†she said.
Bob Beeby was also a fan of motorcycles, as well as cars.
– Credit: Family
“A car is a deadly weapon and if you don’t do the job right you could end up killing someone.”
Christine met Bob, an avid March Amateur Boxing Club member, at the old Great Northern pub in March where he was playing darts.
During his time in and outside of work, Bob was known to many in the city.
“Every time we went shopping he was talking to someone,†Christine said.
“If we went to Tesco, he would always meet someone. He was just a nice man.
Bob’s sister Angela described him as “a good brother and a beloved man.”
– Credit: Family
Bob Beeby also competed in track races outside of his career as a mechanic.
– Credit: Family
Angela said Bob, who retired in the early ’70s and also competed in track races, was always the type to stand up for his family when it mattered most.
“He was a good brother; we got along well and he would defend me and so would I, â€said Angela.
“I think he was a very well-liked man and was not pushed by anyone.”
Bob Beeby (left) was an avid boxing enthusiast and was a member of the March Amateur Boxing Club as a child.
– Credit: Family
Bob leaves behind two sisters, two children and three grandchildren.
A service at the Fenland Crematorium will take place on September 27 at 2:30 p.m., followed by a vigil in Cassanos on March High Street.
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