‘Raymond was a legend’ – Tribute paid to tailor who served Bradford for over 50 years

Ray Lister, who worked as a tailor in the city for more than 50 years, sadly died on Saturday morning.

Mr Lister started his tailoring business in the store that is now IK Collections in the sixties.

He went full circle in 2021 when, aged 82, Mr Lister swapped retirement for making suits with owner Imran Khan at the Westgate location.

Mr Khan described his friend as an “amazing mentor” who was such a funny and entertaining character.

Imran Khan and Mr Lister were great friends (Image: UGC) Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, he said: “He showed me how to cut jackets and get the balance right so the suit looked good on the customer. 

“He was an amazing mentor, not just to me, but he gave all his expertise to the younger tailors coming through. That was the most important thing.

“He said ‘you are more than a son to me’. It is so upsetting, we were all so heartbroken.”

After leaving school and doing his national service and working in Leeds and Nottingham, Mr Lister moved to Bradford to open his own tailoring business which he had for more than half a century.

Mr Lister working as a tailor before he initially retired Mr Khan added: “He would light the building up when he would come in. He was such a funny character. 

“He had a lovely singing voice. He used to sing Frank Sinatra ‘Come Fly with me’ in the shop. I do really miss him.

“He was entertaining and really good to the rest of the staff. He used to make everyone laugh.

“Raymond was a legend. Every single apprentice who he trained up has been in touch.

“We will be doing something in his name to remember his legacy in 2025.”

He loved his work When he came out of retirement in 2021, Mr Lister said: “I love going in and talking to the customers, a lot of them are old friends.

“I do a bit of cutting and a bit of tailoring.

“I retired about 10 years ago, I kept in touch with Imran and three years ago he asked if I wanted to come in for the odd day.

“I think we make just as good a suits as Savile Row in London, if not better.

“I don’t have any hobbies. I just got bored sitting at home. I got fed up. I never particularly enjoyed retirement.”