Family pay tribute to Lees Village Service Station boss

Frank Pullen ran Lees Village Service Station for around 30 years, where he was remembered for his dedication to his customers and "always smiling".

Despite battling cancer for the last three-and-a-half years he carried on working at the St John Street station.

He died peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday afternoon.

His daughter Sue Collinge, 58, ran the station with him.

She said: "My dad was 'Mr Lees village'.

"He ran a Shell petrol station on Huddersfield Road in Waterhead then he completely built up the village service station from scratch from top to bottom about 30 years ago.

"He would go out and service customers, that's what his philosophy was.

"My dad would be on the forecourt and he would always have a smile on his face.

"He wanted to make people feel special when they came to the station and that they were the most important person there.

"He was still working up until 12 weeks ago.

"It's a family business and his grandchildren all worked there when they were younger.

"Even the other staff who worked there were like family."

Frank was well known for helping others and the business raised money for causes such as Dr Kershaw's Hospice and Kingfisher Special School in Chadderton.

The business usually pick a charity to donate money to each year.

During the pandemic last year, the business carried out shopping for older people while they were shielding at home.

Great-grandfather Frank, who was born in Middleton, and lived in Werneth and Derker before settling in Lees, was married to his wife Judith for 59 years.

Next month would have been the couple's Diamond wedding anniversary.

A member of Saddleworth Golf Club for 48 years, where he served as president, he taught the sport to family members and they have gone on to enjoy success playing the game.

Sue said "he was just the best" dad.

She added: "He just signed a contract with Gulf for another five years so we will keep the station going, it is his legacy."