Fred Storr was born on March 19, 1945, in York.

He grew up in Filey Terrace in Clifton next to the railway line, leading to a lifelong love of trains.

Fred, who died suddenly at York Hospital on December 17 aged 78, went to Shipton Street School then Manor secondary.

His daughter, Bev Crossfield, 58, who lives in Huntington, says her dad was described as a bit of a “rogue” growing up – something that came with being the youngest of three, with brother Mick and sister Barbara.

Fred Storr and his daughter Bev Crossfield (Image: Supplied)

Fred left school and started work on the railway, becoming an apprentice signal and telecommunications person for British Rail.

“He loved his job,” says Bev. “He loved trains.”

In 1966 Fred married Sue. Bev was born later that year and England also won the World Cup.

“He would have had a great year,” says Bev.

Fred as a young lad. He used to love playing cricket in the back alley of Filey Terrace with his friends, says Bev (Image: Supplied)

Fred lived with his family in Filey Terrace – doors down from the house he grew up in.

He and Sue later divorced but continued to live together.

Fred shared his love of trains with Bev, who recalls rushing outside to see the Flying Scotsman and Mallard charge past their home.

Fred at Rosedale where Sue's ashes were scattered (Image: Supplied)

“He was a big steam engine fan,” explains Bev.

'such a lovely dad'

Bev also remembers Fred coming in from work on the railway to play cards with her.

“He was such a lovely dad,” she says.

“He was brilliant, absolutely brilliant – and so loving.”

Fred at the Blacksmiths Arms in Huntington, where he loved a birthday/Father's Day meal (Image: Supplied)

Fred was also a keen sportsman. He played rugby and cricket for the Railway Institute.

After working on the railway for about a decade, Fred moved on to work in communications for BT and later for Elcocks tool shop in Fulford.

But it was his last job as a lollipop man that brought him the most joy, says Bev.

Fred (behind the trophy) with his Railway Institute cricket team mates in 1972 (Image: Supplied)

In the 1980s he moved to Rawcliffe across from where Clifton with Rawcliffe Primary School now stands in Eastholme Drive.

While in retirement he was looking for a part time job to keep him busy.

'He was forever high fiving kids' - Fred as a lollipop man

In 2010 he became Clifton with Rawcliffe Primary School’s lollipop man – a role he held for over a decade.

“He absolutely loved it,” says Bev. “He was forever high fiving kids.”

Fred (centre right) with his Railway Institute rugby team mates (Image: Supplied)

Fred quickly got to know parents, children and staff at the school.

And when his birthday came around he would get lots of cards and presents.

Fred on shift as a lollipop man (Image: Iwona Michalska)

“He had more chocolates than Terry’s and Rowntree’s put together!” Jokes Bev. “All the kids loved him.”

Bev says her dad had a soft spot for dogs – owning at least seven and sponsoring eight guide dogs.

Fred taking part in a ‘planking challenge’ with Iwona Michalska from TRTrehab. 'We had so much laughter,' she says (Image: Iwona Michalska)

While on shift his pockets would be full of treats for passing dogs. 

After he died flowers were left on the railings in front of the school as well as a box of dog food, encouraging people to take a final treat from Fred.

Fred is remembered by sister Barbara, daughter Bev and husband Dave, grandchildren Gary, Simon and wife Helen, and great grandchildren Sophie and Molly.

Funeral details 

His funeral is at York Crematorium at 3pm on Wednesday (January 10) with a wake from 4pm at The Mitre in Shipton Road.

Before the funeral the procession will drive past Clifton with Rawcliffe Primary School at 2.25pm where members of the community can say their final farewell.

From Sarah James

Your tribute to FredRest in peace Fred - you will be sorely missed.

Share your photos of Fred (please include caption)

Rawcliffe Scarecrow Festival 2021

From Jayne Ward

Your tribute to FredAn absolute amazing man a kind friend and colleague for many years Jayne Ward CYC Road Safety

From Ruth Tarr

Your tribute to FredFred was so much moe than a lollipop man. He was a friendly smiley face on the morning and afternoon school run every day for so many years, always pretending to steal the kids noses and laughing with them. I used to love stopping to have a chat with him, he always had a kind word for those who used the crossing. During Covid, when we got a dog, we often met him in the fields near the Dormouse pub, and would have a chat and a walk with him. Of course he would always have a welcome treat for our new dog Ziggy. When the kids finally went back to school after the lock-downs, Ziggy would pull on the lead the closer we got to the crossing because he was excited to be fed by Fred. I sometimes had to pick Ziggy up (he's a big dog) because he wanted to stay at the crossing being fed by Fred. Myself and the kids were absolutely gutted when he retired as they missed him so much. I still think of him, his smiley eyes and kind heart when I use the crossing each day. We are so sorry for your loss. My son (Year 5) says 'Fred was always so kind and would always say hi, and ask how our day was. And he also gave my dog treats.' My daughter (Year 8 Vale of York) said 'Fred was such a kind soul.' We feel so lucky to have met, chatted and got to know Fred a wee bit over the years. He is so missed.

From Lucy

Your tribute to FredFred watched and helped my 4 children cross over the road for the last ten years, he was always smiling and waving. Even when it wasn’t school and we would see Fred they would shout ‘Fred the lollipop man!’ He was missed dearly when he left and more so now.

From Angus King

Your tribute to FredPlayed rugby with Freddie Storr at York Railway Institute. He was a popular, cheerful, happy-go-lucky individual and a genuinely nice guy. God speed.

From Michael Little

Your tribute to FredWhat a wonderful man to have as your neighbour. Fred was a true gentleman. He made us very welcome when we first arrived in York many years ago. Pat and Paul.

From Dave Patrick

Your tribute to FredI worked with Fred in the S&T department on the railways and we both moved to BT together . He was a Man United fan so we often engaged in conversation regarding the club. He had a wicked sense of humour . Thanks for the memories Fred.

From Emma Craven

Your tribute to FredIt was a great day for Rawcliffe when Fred, Sue and Bev moved to Westholme Drive. I was 11 at the time and over the years we became friends. As my parents got older I knew Fred would always give me a hand if needed. He also took me to choose and then collect my first puppy. Bonnie, like most dogs adored Fred as he adored them. Fred would help anyone who asked him. He will be greatly missed by so many people who's lives he touched, but more so by all the dogs who adored him and his "treat" pocket. Rest in Peace Fred.

From Community contributor

Your tribute to FredI had known Fred and Sue for 38 years, what a wonderful man. Very much like a brother I never had. R.I.P

From lee wilson

Your tribute to FredFred storr was an amazing man we did his plumbing and heating we put new boiler up in the loft and yes it took us a lot longer as the train set was up there only a few months ago we did your bathroom cups of tea would flow always a story from Fred had lots of time for you you will be missed by the the lads at lw plumbing and heating lee Oliver and alfie x

From Natalie

Your tribute to FredRest in Peace Fred. Its now your turn to rest.

From kay

Your tribute to Fredi worked with you at BT, always jolly and happy..lolly pop man to both my girls xxx