Sudbury baker and father-of-five Pat Weston remembered as ‘one of a kind’ following death at age of 77

A familiar face behind a popular former Sudbury bakery has been remembered as a ‘one of a kind’ and a ‘wonderful’ family man, ahead of his memorial service today.

Dad-of-five and grandfather-of-six Patrick Weston – more commonly known as Pat – died peacefully at his home on July 13, aged 77.

Pat was widely known in the town as the co-proprietor of Weston’s Bakery in Gaol Lane, which he founded and ran with his wife, Christine, from 2015 to 2023.

A funeral service is taking place this morning at the Three Counties Crematorium in High Garrett, followed by a celebration of his life at The Apple Tree in Gosfield from 12.30pm.

Christine – known as Chris – said: “My wonderful husband and best friend, Pat, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love.

“Pat has left a huge hole in our family. We miss him terribly. He truly was one of a kind.”

Growing up in London, Mr Weston picked up his enthusiasm for baking at a young age from his father, George, who ran a bakery in Hackney.

He then took over the business with his brother, Terry, in 1973, before moving to Suffolk with wife, Chris, in 1987.

After starting Weston’s Bakery in Sudbury, the couple continued to build up the business during their retirement years, with around 30 members of staff at its height.

They also received plaudits during the Covid-19 pandemic for their support of the Sudbury Community Network, which had been formed to assist the area’s most vulnerable residents.

During lockdown, the bakery provided produce free of charge, to supply the surplus foodbank and daily food parcel deliveries in and around town.

The pair were forced to retire in 2023, due to a change in their personal circumstances, and the business subsequently closed for good after a proposed takeover fell through.

Mr Weston is survived by his wife, his brothers, Michael and Terry, his children, Ben, Jo, Joe, Jerry and Liz, his grandchildren, Amy, Brooke, Gracie, Harriet, Logan and Noah, and his great-grandchildren, Marnie and Ralph.

A fundraiser has also been set up in aid of Marie Curie, with the family stating that this is “in honour of the help and care that they showed Pat and us when we really needed it.”

To make a donation, go online to www.gofundme.com/f/pat-weston.