Tributes have been paid to Michael Lee, one of the respected leaders of the historic Lee Longlands furniture store, who has passed away at the aged of 89.
Lee Longlands was established in Birmingham in 1902 and opened its flagship art deco store on Broad Street 30 years later, where it is still based today.
Mr Lee was one of the third generation in the Lee Longlands family and was instrumental in leading the business through the 1960s until his retirement in 2015.
A spokesperson for Lee Longlands explained that Mr Lee was a popular boss and had continued to pay regular visits to the Broad Street showroom even after his retirement.
The spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Michael Lee has sadly passed away. Michael was always on hand to provide help and guidance and would often call into the Birmingham showroom just to see the staff and provide a friendly word of advice or two.
“Not only was Michael a great businessman, he was also a lovely person and always had a big smile on his face. He had a great sense of humour and his infectious personality meant it was always a nice surprise when he decided to pay us a visit.
“A more positive and friendly person you will never meet. The Birmingham showroom will certainly never be the same without Michael paying us one of his regular visits and he will undoubted be missed by all who knew him.
“Our thoughts are with Robert and his family at this extremely sad time, but Michael Sherriff Lee will certainly never be forgotten and will always be a huge part of the Lee Longlands legacy.
“It’s very clear to see that Michael Lee was an extremely popular person, that touched the hearts of many, many people.”
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “On behalf of the BID, I want to send Robert and his family our deepest condolences.
“The Lee family are so well-regarded, and I know that Michael kept the family flag flying through some turbulent trading years as well as better times, ensuring that Lee Longlands remains an icon of the very best in high quality furnishings.”
