The man whose namesake bears on one of the city’s locally owned grocery stores has passed away.

George Thompson entered the world of groceries in 1961 when he opened Midway Grocery, now known as George’s Market.

Among his advocacy work and achievements was his efforts in the shop local movement and opening the first outdoor flower market in the city.

A social media post from the family states in 1992 he stepped back to let his family continue to run the business, but still made the daily check ins.

He was 85.