Thousands of pounds raised towards a sign tribute for a Sheffield shop keeper who was the ‘pillar of the community’ for more than 20 years.
Gurdev Sing Sangra, known to the community as Dave, ran the Premier shop in Coppin Square before his retirement in 2025.
Stevie Moore, a close friend, has launched a GoFundMe for the sign that reads “Dave’s”, following Sangra’s death earlier this month.
The fundraiser has already received £2,400 from 92 donors.
Mr Moore said: “He was much more than just a shop keeper. He was a friend and family to everyone.”
Any extra funds raised will be given to Mr Sangra’s wife, Jagdish Kaur Sangra, known locally as Mary, who ran the shop alongside him.
Mr Moore said: “(Dave and Mary) became my first friends in the area. These people become part of your family.
“He’d do anything for anyone. He’d help people out with groceries if they didn’t have any money.”
The sign is due to be installed by Dyson Signs in the coming weeks, above the Parson Cross Premier shop in tribute to Mr Sangra.
Two members of the community have personally paid for the electrician needed for the sign out of their own pocket.
Mr Moore said: “If he saw anybody at the bus stop he’d ask where they were going and if they needed a lift.
“I’ve gone into leadership mode and thrown myself into this, rather than grief. It feels surreal to see the community’s incredible support. I’m very proud.”
Since Mr Sangra’s death at the shop Mr Moore said it had been “difficult” for him and other members of the community to visit, but he’s hoping that the sign will help people look back fondly on their friend.
Mr Moore said: “I don’t want to look at the shop and go over what happened. I want to look at the shop and see Dave’s name glowing up on a sign, so we can all smile instead of being sad.”
Moore urges people who can’t donate to the fundraiser to share it and “get it out there”.
Moore said: “This area will never feel the same again. Never.”
Before his death, Sangra had offered his yard to be used for voting in the elections, although they are usually held in the local church.
Only a few days after his passing, Sangra’s family were woken up to machinery setting up voting booths, as safety concerns about the church’s roof arose.
Mr Moore said: ‘ Only Dave can pass away and still be helping the community out. But that was him, and it always will be.’