Tributes have been paid to an 'inspirational' Oldham businessman who has been described as a 'true gentleman'.
John Pellowe, the founder and original owner of the home department store Housing Units, died aged 89 on Sunday after a 10-year battle with blood cancer his family has announced.
John started Housing Units in 1959 as a small business in Hollinwood that sold building materials. By the early 1980s Housing Units had opened at three locations, 505 Manchester Road, Oldham; Millgate off Hollins Road, Oldham, and the flagship store on Wickentree Lane, Failsworth where the business remains today.
In his memoir The Edge of Time, John tells how Housing Units had a turnover of around £165 in its first week of trading in 1959 which increased to more than £20million when he retired as managing director in 2000.
John grew up on Windsor Road, Oldham, and went to Oldham Hulme Grammar School. As an adult, he moved to Hollins Road, Oldham, and then Greenfield in the late '80s.
Following his retirement, John became a Prince of Wales Trust mentor, worked on the Oldham Scanner Appeal committee, which raised money to purchase a scanner for the Royal Oldham Hospital, and helped advise on the rebuilding of Greenacres Congregational Church.
He was also a lifelong member of the Manchester YMCA, serving on the board for many years and acting as president. John also enjoyed painting, sailing, and long-distance walks and even trekked the Annapurna Range in Nepal.
John was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, aged 79.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Vivienne, his two children, son Timothy Pellowe, and daughter Louanne Pellowe-Bailey, and five grandchildren.
Paying tribute to John, his family said: “John was a true gentleman and a real character. Full of integrity and decency.
“He was determined and tenacious and deeply self-disciplined. He loved a challenge, especially a physical one.
“His time in the Paras (National Service) made a deep and lasting impression on him, he relished every minute of his army life.
“He was charismatic and had a fantastic sense of humour and kept everyone laughing. He was generous and kind. He gave good advice, of which there was plenty.
“He inspired and influenced a great many people and the many beautiful cards and letters the family have received are testament to this.
“Above all else, he was a deeply loved and respected family man who will be greatly missed.”
John’s funeral will be held at Greenacres Congregational Church, Galland Street, Oldham on Friday (July, 14) at 1.30pm.
Afterwards, friends and family are invited to join and celebrate John’s life at The White Hart Inn, Lydgate.
John’s family have described the event as a "celebration of his life” and “not a sad occasion” with bright clothing and dancing shoes welcomed.
The family have said donations to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, whose staff cared for John, are welcomed and asked for no flowers.
John’s daughter Louanne said: “The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to the staff at the Christie who cared for John with love and dedication for 10 years.
“Led by Professor Adrian Bloor the team at the Christie won back 10 good years for John, during which time memories were made, love and laughter shared. The family will be forever indebted to Adrian and his team.”
Donations can be made via the funeral director, G Barlow & Sons, Union Street West, Oldham, or directly to the Christie.
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