'Passed peacefully with a sun tan' - Loving tributes paid to legendary Prince of the Prom Blackpool hotelier

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Blackpool hotelier who was born at a promenade hotel and died at 82 as the proprietor of another just a short distance away.

Ephraim Bell ran the Ferny House hotel - formerly the Fern Royd - for some 50 years and was fondly known by his family and the community as the ‘Prince of the Promenade’.

He was born in 1944 at the now demolished Beverley and West Bank Hotel, run by his parents Archie and Sarah and helped out there from a young age before going into the hotel business of his own accord by acquiring the Fern Royd, just a short walk away.

The Fern Royd’s name was shortened to its long popular nickname of the Ferny House in recent years and was run by Ephraim, until his recent illness, alongside his daughter Samantha, who has taken over the business after her father’s passing.

Ephraim, who was a father of four, was married for 56 years to his wife Margaret, who he met when she came to Blackpool from her native Barnsley to work as a waitress in the Bell family hotel. Margaret herself died six years ago.

While immensely proud of his Blackpool roots and particularly of his ties to the prom, Ephraim enjoyed travel and saw much of the world with Margaret, while also journeying far and wide to follow Blackpool FC, of whom he was a lifelong fan.

Combining his love of travel and family, he also walked his daughter Samantha down the aisle at her wedding in Ibiza.

“Dad loved Blackpool and his hotel and I was so proud of him and his ability to make people so comfortable,” said Samantha.

“He made a real impression on everyone he met and he really loved life - the good, the bad, and the ugly. He was a big inspiration to us all.”

Along with Samantha, Ephraim leaves behind sons Paul, Mark, and Dean, as well as 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was also a dedicated dog-lover, often to be seen with his beloved Pomeranian Blondie on his lap as he enjoyed the sun outside his hotel or taking her for a walk on the promenade.

“We know how much everyone loved him and are so very grateful for all of the kindness, care, patience, good company and support he has received from so many people over the years, but especially most recently,” Samantha posted on the Ferny House Facebook site.

“We want to say a huge thank you to those of you who have been there for him and who have taken the time to care for him and come and sit with him and share stories.

“In the end, he passed peacefully - sun tan and full head of hair intact - and is now resting with his beloved wife Margaret who he has missed so much over the past six years.”

Ephraim’s funeral will be at Carleton Crematorium on Friday, October 30 at 12.30pm. Flowers welcome or donations can be made in his memory to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) via ephraimbell.muchloved.com