Tributes have poured in for Steve Merry, affectionately known as “Steve Super Scoop,” who served the Highfields area of Leicester for over 40 years. Known for his cheerful demeanor and dedication to his community, Mr. Merry retired in 2017 and passed away on July 25 at the age of 73 after a short illness.
Mr. Merry’s legacy as “the best ice cream man ever” and a “true gentleman” has been fondly remembered by his family and the community. His daughter, Samantha Merry, described him as a “doting father and husband” and shared that the outpouring of love and support from the community has been overwhelming.
Born in Leicester in 1951, Steve Merry grew up in the Goodwood area and was known for his artistic and free-spirited nature. His love for art and travel took him across Europe and to India, a country he fell in love with during his travels. Inspired by his sweet tooth and his father’s work in a sweet factory, Mr. Merry decided to start selling ice creams in the 1970s.
During one of his ice cream runs, he met his wife, Champa, and the two married in 1981. The couple was inseparable, with Mrs. Merry recalling that they “never ever had an argument in our lives.”
Steve Merry’s impact on the community extended far beyond his ice cream van. He was known for his generosity, often giving free ice creams to children who couldn’t afford them. Reena Purewal, a former customer, described him as a “wonderful human” who knew all his customers by name and spread love and smiles through his rounds.
Kishie Maru and Cunary Melinda Deazle, who grew up in the area, reminisced about the joy Mr. Merry brought to their childhoods. Maru recalled the excitement of hearing his van’s chimes and eagerly awaiting a Flake 99, while Deazle shared a memory of Mr. Merry’s kindness when he allowed her to buy ice cream with whatever money she had.
Later in life, Steve and Champa Merry traveled extensively around India, embracing the philosophy that “life was too short.” They spent much of their time there, with their children visiting annually.
Samantha Merry reflected on her father’s character, stating, “People would say he was the sort of person you’d meet and you’d just feel better that day. He was never angry. There was something very special about that man. He was a really beautiful person.”
The heartfelt tributes and fond memories shared by the community are a testament to the lasting impact Steve Merry had on the people of Highfields. His legacy as a kind-hearted and generous ice cream man will be cherished by all who knew him.
