Ronald William George Barker, born on September 25, 1929, passed away on October 3, 2005 at the age of 76. He was an English actor, writer, producer, director best known for his comedy role as Norman Stanley Fletcher in the British TV sitcom Porridge and as the star of Open All Hours. Barker's acting career spanned fifty years and included stints in radio, stage, television, and the cinema. He was one of the few performers to have achieved a significant success in all of five major areas of show business. Barker was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1988 for services to television. He also won four BAFTA awards and in 1978, the British Comedy Awards' highest honour, the Golden Rose of Montreux. His acting style can be described as a mixture of whimsical eccentric characters and self-effacing camaraderie. He brought humour and joy to audiences both in the United Kingdom and abroad for many years. He will be remembered and greatly missed by all who loved him.