Popular taxi base operator remembered as a ‘legend’ in Maidenhead

A popular Maidenhead taxi base operator who has died suddenly, aged 73, will be remembered as a ‘legend’ by his family and colleagues.

Born on June 14, 1952, Barry Coomes, who worked almost his entire career at U Want Taxis, joined the firm in 1974 as a driver.

The Fifield resident later became its base operator and office manager – a role he made his own for more than five decades.

Known for his reliability and being ‘extremely conscientious’, Barry became a familiar and much-loved figure to generations of customers.

Regular callers often only needed to say ‘hello’ before they knew exactly where they were heading.

Colleagues say he was widely regarded as ‘Mr U Want Taxis’, playing a key role in the company’s success over the years.

His friend of around two decades, Doug Watts, told the Advertiser: “Everybody called him a legend.

“He used to know everybody’s voice; he knew their phone numbers – he’d mention their name and say where they were going before they even told him. He was quite a legend in that way.

“He was always there for his family and always liked a party – he was a very outgoing person.

“It’s a massive loss. I don’t think U Want will be the same without him – it’s a big loss. He loved his job – the only day he didn’t like was Mondays.”

Barry was deeply loyal to the firm, devoting his whole working life to the business and continuing to work from its various Maidenhead offices right up until his death.

He was often seen chatting with passers-by outside the office during cigarette breaks, always happy to talk to customers and locals alike.

Before the days of digital dispatch systems, Barry meticulously recorded bookings by hand in a notebook that only he could truly decipher.

Despite the challenges of later adapting to computerised systems, which he famously threatened to throw out the door on more than one occasion, he never lost sight of what mattered most – ensuring every customer was collected and delivered safely.

His family said he never once wavered from his mission to continue doing the job he loved and helping the community.

Outside of work, Barry was described as a devoted family man who loved visiting the Isle of Wight and holiday camps – and even supermarket shopping.

“Even if he wasn’t buying anything, he would go around the aisles just to have a look and see if there were any bargains,” added Doug.

Barry adored his children and grandchildren and was especially proud of his relationship with his partner Jayne, who later became his wife.

Those close to him said he brought the same care and commitment to his family life as he did to his work.

Andrew and Erika Seekings, the original owners of U-Want Taxis, said it had been a privilege to know and work with Barry for so many years.

Andrew added that he had worked alongside Barry since his early teenage years.

The company was later sold to the current owners, Mo Azam and his family, who paid tribute to their long-serving team member.

“Barry was the heart of business here at U-Want Cars for almost five decades, and he will be deeply missed by his colleagues and customers alike,” said the Azam family in a statement.

“He was a friend to everyone and always brightened people's day with a smile and a joke.

“He will never be replaced here but will always be remembered as a legend.

“We will treasure the memories we have made with Barry over the past 50 years, and the town will not be the same without him.”

Barry will also be fondly remembered for his affection for the ducks that returned to the office every spring for the past five years, becoming an unlikely but much-loved part of his routine.

He passed away on February 8 and is survived by his wife Jayne, six children and 11 grandchildren.