CADILLAC — Paul Beardsley, a former podiatrist and longtime owner of the Sweet Shop, has died, leaving a significant void in the community.
Beardsley and his wife Helen bought the Sweet Shop in 1982, where he became known for greeting customers with a smile and a tray of freshly made treats. Friends and employees recalled his kindness, generosity and passion for people, saying he made everyone feel seen and heard.
“He loved everyone who walked through that door, and even everyone who was just out on the street,” one employee said. “When I first applied for my position here, he walked right up to me with his little tray of snow birds and was like, hey, can I get you snow bird? He taught me a lot about candy making and then also being a person.”
Beardsley was also an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church. After Helen’s death, he led a grief class to support others dealing with loss.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 19 at St. Ann Catholic Church.