Founder of Prestige Beds dies, 75

7:10am Saturday 1st November 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

A BUSINESSMAN who ran his own bed company in Blackburn for nearly 50 years has died at the age of 75.

The family of Prestige Beds chairman James Dunne described him as a “pioneer” of the furniture industry and “larger than life” character. Mr Dunne, of Langho, died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital of a suspected heart attack on Thursday afternoon.

He was heavily involved in the day-to-day running of Prestige Beds right up until his death after establis-hing the com-pany in 1959 at Higher Eanam, Blackburn.

Understood to be Blackburn’s first dedicated bed store, Prestige Beds now has a further two shops in Burnley Road, Black-burn, and Burnley Road, Padiham.

His son Joe Dunne, 47, of Wilpshire, said: “They broke the mould when they made my dad. He was a true gentleman.

“He was a pioneer of the furniture industry who started out with nothing and worked his way up.

“He had such a big personality and a good sense of humour. He always had time for everyone. He was a really sharp guy.”

His daughter Amelia Watts, 51, also paid tribute,saying: “He was larger than life and very sociable.

“He was a committed family man, who was well loved.”

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Amelia and four grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at St Alban’s RC Church, Blackburn, at noon on Friday.