Tributes paid to ‘The Flower Man’ of Cambridge market, Adam Stevens

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Cambridge market florist who has died at the age of 65.

Adam Stevens, who had worked on the market for almost 50 years, is remembered by his colleagues a “a larger than life character” whose “great laugh” will be dreadfully missed.

Lifelong friend Steve Gawthroup, who runs a butcher’s stall, worked next door to Adam for many years.

He said: “Adam loved a laugh and a joke. I’ve stood side by side with him on the market for over 40 years and what I really miss is the noise – because he was so loud! I can’t believe he has gone, he was far too young. We came up through the market together as the juniors and we are the veterans now. I shall miss his great laugh and his booming voice in the mornings.”

Another friend, David Fishman, who ran the cheese stall, said: “I’ve known Adam for more than 40 years and everyone who knew him would describe him as a larger than life character, which is something you always used to associate with markets in the past. He brought life to the place.

“Adam’s stall was beautiful and colourful and he took real pride in it. Everyone knew him.

“He was always very kind and generous – he helped me out without ever needing to be asked on days when my van broke down. He was just a lovely person and we developed a great friendship over the years. I shall miss my regular coffees with him and our chats.”

Adam had worked on the Stevens of Boston flower stall for almost 50 years, and was a secondgeneration market trader who was known to everyone as The Flower Man. He would make up bouquets for customers when they picked out their chosen flowers.

When news that Adam had died reached the market traders last week there was an outpouring of sadness.

Glenys Self, who runs a jewellery stall, said: “He was a huge character. His flowers brightened up the place and he had a fantastic smile as well as a wonderful positivity about him. And he loved to laugh. He’s left a big hole behind now on the market.”

Bill Proud, who runs the Xue Cam coffee stall, said: “He was such a nice, decent person. I’ve known him for the seven years I have worked on the market and he was really friendly and great with his customers.

“I also loved listening to his taste in music, which was always really obscure ’70s and ’80s stuff. He will be really missed by everyone.”

Meanwhile, the owners of Emerald Foods said on social media: “Such sad news to hear this morning. We’ll miss Adam a lot. He was one of the market’s main characters and such a colourful and energetic presence. You could hear his laugh from every corner of the market.”

And the owner of the Crystal Waters fishmonger stall said: “It is with a very heavy heart, (I heard) that Adam Stevens has passed away. Words can’t describe how as a community and close friends of Adam we feel this morning. Our love is all being sent this morning in the direction of Adam’s family. Forever smiling and laughing until the end and no doubt where he is now.”

Adam leaves behind three children, Holly, Tom and Leo. His funeral was held on Thursday, October 5, at St Margaret’s Church in Sibsey.