An industrious West End plumber and pillar of the Somerset community trained dozens in the trade, leaving an enduring mark on businesses and residences across the island.

Junius Burrows, known to all as JB, ran a landmark plumbing business on the Hog Bay Level stretch of Middle Road in Sandys.

With his first wife, Louise Swainson, Mr Burrows built the establishment into a thriving company and showroom that by the 1990s had more than a dozen plumbers at a time on its payroll.

The two had two daughters, Renée and Giselle.

Marrying in 1959, the couple divorced after 15 years but continued to forge ahead in business after separating, according to a family tribute.

“Together they were formidable business partners, which allowed them to give back to others in the community and lend helping hands to countless others where needed.

“Some of JB’s greatest legacies are the dozens of plumbers who trained under him and that have gone on to become independent business owners, and a myriad of landmark buildings throughout the island that were touched by him.”

Plumbing was a family trade, and Mr Burrows, who apprenticed with his father, attended the Southampton Glebe School, now Dalton E Tucker Primary School, until he began work at age 15.

Mr Burrows became a familiar figure island-wide as he ran his taxi business.

Later in life, Patricia Burchall, of Somerset Bridge, became his long-term partner.

Giselle Burrows Wilson said her father, born and raised in the area, with a home on Patience Avenue, may well have been the longest resident of the White Hill neighbourhood.

“He never lived anywhere else,” she said. “He was a White Hill boy, through and through.”

She said the outpouring from the community since her father’s passing had been “overwhelming”.

“The theme I get from the people who stop me to talk is his generosity and his willingness to help people in their trade, as apprentices and as homeowners.

“He gave everything he had in his heart and his spirit.”

Mr Burrows would help people in need or who were starting out in plumbing and construction by not charging them for materials — and for decades without fail, “JB” bought Christmas turkeys as gifts for his customers and tenants.

The son of Julian and Muriel “Movie” Burrows, Mr Burrows died on May 8 — Mother’s Day.

Ms Burrows Wilson said it was fitting that her father’s memory would be celebrated each year on that day.

“His mom was the most important and influential person in his life,” she said.

“Passing on Mother’s Day could not have been more symbolic, and a true blessing from God.

“The day also honours the passing of my mother and sister.”

· Junius Harrington Burrows was born on December 1, 1932. He died in May 8, 2022, aged 89.