Tributes paid after death of Roker Pie Shop owner - who served up more than a million matchday snacks to hungry Sunderland AFC supporters

One half of a beloved Sunderland institution who served up more than a million pies to hungry football supporters, has died aged 95.
Jean and Victor Outram outside their pie shop at Roker.Jean and Victor Outram outside their pie shop at Roker.
Jean and Victor Outram outside their pie shop at Roker.

Victor Outram, who used to run the hugely popular Roker Pie Shop with his late wife Jean close to Roker Park, died just over a week ago.

The grandfather-of-six and late wife Jean took over the bakery in 1963, famous for its mince pies, before finally hanging up their oven gloves in 1992.

Victor and Jean Outram on their wedding day.Victor and Jean Outram on their wedding day.
Victor and Jean Outram on their wedding day.
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After 30 years in business, opening six days a week and selling at least 100 pies a day – and as many as 500 on matchdays – it is likely that the pair sold more than a million pies.

Their daughter, Dorothy Aarholt, 59, was at her father’s bedside when he passed away in Yorkshire.

He had spent the last eight years of his life in a residential home near his 62-year-old son David’s home in Leeds.

Dorothy, who now lives in Norway, said: “My father used to joke that he was the biggest supporter of Sunderland.

Victor and Jean Outram on their wedding day.Victor and Jean Outram on their wedding day.
Victor and Jean Outram on their wedding day.
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“He had a season ticket for I don’t know how many years in the old clock stand at Roker Park.

“When the ground was pulled down, he continued to go to matches at the new stadium as a very elderly gentleman.

“He was a full-time supporter and friend. He never had a bad word to say about the club, but I know that the recent results saddened him.”

Dorothy said her parents enjoyed a well-earned retirement, living in Sidecliffe Road near their beloved Roker seafront, where the couple first met.

Jean died in 2007, aged 81.

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“They were a couple who loved the seafront and the coastline,” Dorothy said.

“They loved going for a walk on the Promenade and have an ice cream from Minchella’s.

“It was where they first met, near the Cat and Dog steps in late 40s or early 50s.”

The pair also loved travelling to Yorkshire and Oslo to spend time with their grandchildren.