The proprietor of cherished toy emporium Romer Parrish, which holds treasured memories for generations, has sadly passed away aged 77. For many years, Brian Parrish brought delight to children through his establishment on Middlesbrough's Linthorpe Road - an essential destination for anyone clutching pocket money or seeking a special present.
His family confirmed Brian passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his residence on Friday, 12 June. They honoured their beloved relative who, beyond being a legendary toy shop proprietor, was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Son James said his father, who would have celebrated his 78th birthday next week, "worked a lot and provided us with an amazing life. We are very fortunate." Characterising his dad as "very family-orientated", he added: "He was honourable, humble and very honest."
Early Life and Family
Brian was raised in the Tollesby Road neighbourhood and encountered his wife Linda at a public house in Faceby in North Yorkshire in 1970, reports Teesside Live. They had four children; James, Edward, Vanessa and Alex, and welcomed grandchildren Christina, Connor and Tanith. Linda said he was "kind, dedicated to his family and much-loved." During the past four years, Brian and Linda resided near York, although they had aspired to relocate to Teesside.
The History of Romer Parrish
The tale of Romer Parrish commenced in the 1930s. Brian's father Romer initially began trading newspapers, cards and confectionery but the premises evolved into an essential toy retailer for all ages, managed for decades by Brian. The expansive store, renowned for its spectacular displays, occupied two storeys brimming with everything from dolls and train tracks to Scalextric and Subbuteo. Devastation struck when it shut its doors permanently in 1995.
Romer Parrish would go on, though, to experience a remarkable revival. Beamish Museum had invited Middlesbrough locals to select which 1950s shops it should recreate. In 2024, a faithful reproduction of the toy emporium welcomed visitors at the County Durham attraction.
Revival at Beamish Museum
When the reconstructed toy outlet launched, Brian had recounted its origins. "In 1933, my father Romer resigned from the family department store in Newcastle to make his own mark in life," he said. "He set off walking from Newcastle with his dog, ending up in Middlesbrough where he settled and bought his first shop at 79 Linthorpe Road setting up a Fireside Lending Library, lending books out at sixpence a time. He then expanded into newspapers and cigarettes. While living above the shop he met and married Joan and started a family.
"I would like to thank all the people of Middlesbrough who voted for a toy shop at Beamish and a big thank you to the rest of the North East who shopped with us."
After the Linthorpe Road premises closed, Brian continued selling toys online until approximately 2019.
