By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 13:24, Monday, 22 June 2009

The funeral of Richard ‘Bar’ Woodall, who supplied meat to Buckingham Palace, will take place tomorrow.

Richard Woodall

Mr Woodall, 78, of Waberthwaite, who sent Cumberland Sausage, ham and bacon to the Queen since 1990, died last week. He was also the president of Whitehaven Rugby League Club.

Mr Woodall’s wife June paid tribute to her husband who she said was an entrepreneur of the highest order.

“My dear husband Bar was a very gentle, warm and caring man and his first priority in life was his family and friends who in return have always responded to his kindness,” she said.

She said that in the 1960s when Mr Woodall could see that his retail business – which had been in the family since 1828 – was suffering from supermarket competition, he made the decision to extend his pork manufacturing business.

“Having his own herd of pigs it was an easy decision to make to diversify into the manufacture of pork products like Cumberland sausage, dry cured hams and bacon,” she said.

“Starting effectively from scratch he masterminded the development of this in a manner which maintained its viability throughout its continuous growth – a growth in which he was still instrumental until late in his life.

“He had that envious characteristic of being able to communicate with everyone from the smallest child to those in high office.

“His views, on a wide range of topics – fishing, shooting, farming, ecology, business, competitive sports to mention a few – were always interesting and valued.”

Mr Woodall’s funeral will take place at St John’s Church in Waberthwaite at 1pm. Stewards will direct people to a nearby field to park and minibuses will take them to the church.

Family flowers only with donations made to the church.

First published at 11:24, Monday, 22 June 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk