Final respects to popular businessman Raymond

More than 250 mourners packed a church for the funeral of a popular well-known garage owner.
WELL REGARDED: Raymond Jeszke (inset) and the Central BodyshopWELL REGARDED: Raymond Jeszke (inset) and the Central Bodyshop
WELL REGARDED: Raymond Jeszke (inset) and the Central Bodyshop

Raymond Jeszke, who ran Central Bodyshop car repairs, Buckingham Street, Chorley, died suddenly after being taken ill on board ship as he was returning home from a cruise holiday with his wife Sonia.

Raymond, 64, grew up on Bolton Road, Chorley. He was born into a Polish-speaking household and had to learn English when he first started school. He went to St Mary’s Primary School, Chorley, before attending St John Rigby School, Orrell.

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Raymond’s sister Janina Boyce, who read a eulogy at the funeral at St Peter’s Church, Harpers Lane, Chorley, said of her brother: “A commitment to family, and to caring for others defined who Raymond was in terms of other people and who he was to himself. Raymond was very well regarded by the business community of Chorley. He always dealt fairly with people and was far more interested in providing good service than making a fast buck.”

She said: “Raymond’s love for cars started at an early age.

“His first car was a little pedal army jeep when he was four years old and he used to drive up and down Yarrow Gate in it. This interest in cars grew, particularly Jaguars, and although he left school without qualifications, he pursued his passion by commencing an apprenticeship at Duke Motors.

“After finishing his apprenticeship he moved on to rent a unit at Central Garage on Chapel Street where he met Sonia his future wife. They married two years later at St Peter’s Church.”

Raymond’s son Daniel has taken over Central Bodyshop. Raymond also leaves a daughter Kerry, son Darren and four grandchildren.

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