22/05/2026
The flower market community sends its condolences to the wife and family of William Edward Haynes, known to everyone as Bill, who has died aged 92, leaving behind a legacy rooted in flowers, family and kindness.
Born in London, Bill moved to Rochford as a child. After completing National Service, he began work at EK Cole in Southend, while helping his father on the family smallholding in Rochford, where pigs were raised and crucially, flowers grown for sale at London markets and outside Rochford Hospital.
Following his father’s death, Bill and his wife Gwen took on the flower stalls together. In 1963, the couple bought an empty shop in West Street and opened W E Haynes Florist, with Bill continuing to work at ECKO by day and delivering flowers in the evenings.
He worked tirelessly, often seven days a week, regularly leaving home at midnight to travel to Covent Garden Flower Market while also supporting local growers wherever possible. Flowers were not just Bill’s work but his passion, reflected in his garden and the many Royal Horticultural Society medals he won for his prizewinning dahlias.
His florist shop was a focal point of the town. From everyday bouquets to wedding flowers and funeral tributes, Bill believed flowers should bring comfort, joy and dignity at life’s most important moments.
After retiring, Bill cherished time with Gwen, his wife of more than 72 years, and enjoyed travelling, especially to Madeira during its flower festival, which he called his special place.
He was a devoted father, grandfather and greatgrandfather, happiest when surrounded by his family.
Rest in peace, Bill. It was a pleasure to know you.
