Tributes paid to 'true gentleman'
A loving son has paid tribute to his ‘true gentleman’ father who was a barber for more than 70 years.
John Callow, known as Dick, owned JR Callow and Son Barber Shop in Market Gate, Market Deeping since 1959 but died, aged 87, on September 26, from motor neurone disease, just two days after being diagnosed with the illness.
His son, Howard Callow, said his beloved father was a hard worker, who used to open up the barbers shop every morning at 7am.
“He was a true gentleman who never had a bad word to say about anybody in his life,” said Howard, 54, of Elton, who runs a confectionary shop and tobacconist at the front of the same premises.
“He went to work every single day and never had a day off sick.
“In fact, he had his first seven-day holiday in 1986.”
“He lived a simple life but he gave everything to his family.”
A statement released by Mr Callow’s family announcing his death, described him as a ‘Deepings legend’ and said they ‘will carry him in our hearts for ever’.
Mr Callow, who was originally from Kirton near Boston and born in November 1930, started training be a barber in Boston when he was 14, towards the end of the Second World War.
After leaving school, he was invited for two interviews as he tried to find a job.
The first was at a bakers in Boston, but the baker was not there so he headed to the barber’s and got a job there.
Mr Callow worked at the barbers for 15 years and moved to Market Deeping when he was 29, after seeing the shop unit advertised for sale in his fish and chip paper.
He remained there shop right up until his retirement aged 87 in November last year.
In fact, Mr Callow worked an extra day after his pre-planned retirement date.
In the 58 years of owning the shop, Mr Callow did thousands of hair cuts and built up a loyal customer base.
He also cut the hair of actors and actresses from the Key Theatre and also Geoff Capes, the Olympic shot putter.
Mr Callow leaves wife June, 83, and sons Andrew and Howard, as well as three three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
He also had three brothers: Bas, Maurice and
Harold.
Mr Callow’s funeral will be held at St Guthlac’s Church in Market Deeping on Friday next week (October 19) at midday.