‘Wise old owl’: Tributes paid to beloved Ridley Road trader Steven Clark after his death at the age of 57

‘Gentle’: Ridley Road royalty, Steven Clark. Photograph: Clark family

Much-loved Ridley Road trader Steven Clark is to be given a big send-off following his death at the age of 57.

Clark has been described as one of the market’s “wise old owls” after working there for more than 40 years.

Known to many as “The Suitcase Man”, he sold luggage and bags at a spot near Colvestone Crescent.

His passing after a short illness has shocked his colleagues.

Clark’s funeral procession on 6 June will visit the market – at his customers’ request – and he will later be commemorated with a special bench and plaque.

His youngest daughter Daisy said: “He was such an amazing man. He was such a big part of the market who will be missed by everyone.

“The market was his life.”

She said he loved his cases and cars and family, adding that the support from his fellow traders has meant so much to his relatives.

“Being surrounded by people who loved our dad has helped.”

Her sister Chelsee added: “He was just a hardworking man and he was always trying to help somebody. If he could help, he would. He was very quiet but if he knew you he was comfortable with you.”

She recalled her father being so devoted to the market that, even on her wedding day, he spent a couple of hours there checking all was well.

Another of Clark’s daughters, Cydney, said: “I remember him going down there in the dark. He used to be there really early. He sold suitcases and cargo bags – a lot of people at Ridley Road used to send bags back home for their families.”

The bench and plaque in honour of Clark will be fitted on 10 June, when traders and local politicians will pay their tributes.

Clark’s mother, Carole Hutchings, said: “It’s so lovely, though he would not have liked the fuss. He was a quiet man, he was just gentle.”

Peter Mattheou, senior markets officer at Hackney Council, knew Clark for 14 years and said he was an important person in the Ridley Road family.

Shoppers and fellow traders have filled three condolence books.

“Everyone knew him,” Mattheou added. “Steve was one of the wise old owls of the market. He’s seen the market go through good times and bad times.”

Clark was a pupil at Colvestone Primary School in Dalston, and later attended the school that is now Mossbourne Academy.

During the pandemic, he sold toiletries and other essential items when government rules allowed.

Mattheou said the market offered a lifeline to residents and Clark had played a vital role in that.

As well as the unveiling of the bench, the market will come to a standstill on the day of Clark’s funeral on 6 June. His hearse is expected to visit the market at 10.30am before a service at Marylebone crematorium at midday.

Mayor Philip Glanville paid tribute to Clark at a recent cabinet meeting: “He meant a huge amount to the market traders and the market team. We will be recognising his four-decade contribution to the market.”