The family of a legendary Bolton barber have paid tribute to him following his death.
Maurice Kobelt, aged 90, died on July 13 this year, dying peacefully in hospital after a short illness.
He ran Maurice Kobelt Barbers Shop for 56 years from 1956 to 2012, starting out on Bradshawgate and then moving to Bollings Yard in 1992.
His eldest son, Julian Kobelt, aged 56, paid tribute to his late father.
He said: “It was his funeral on Wednesday, it was a lovely send off.
"There was a good turnout, several of his old apprentices turned up from way back when, in the 60s and 70s.
“Just as a generous and loving father, like I say he devoted a lot of his time to others.
“He was the chairman of the parish council in Euxton, chairman of Chorley Carnival in the 70s and 80s, a carnival providing great times for the people of Chorley.
“He was all for bettering the lives of other people. Any small part he could play in that, he’d do what he could.
“He was a remarkable man.”
Speaking about Maurice’s barbershop and his reputation in Bolton, Julian said: “He was a bit of a legend in Bolton, he opened on Bradshawgate in 1956 after serving his apprenticeship on Nelson Square.
“He was a very much loved and well-respected figure in the town for many years because of his selfless attitude, helping other people.
“He touched people’s lives in many different ways. He taught at the technical college for 15 years, a whole generation of hairdressers there.”
Julian highlighted his fathers generosity with a Facebook comment written by someone in tribute to him.
He said: “A guy said – the bus stop was right outside the shop, so this guy got off the bus and had his haircut, he lost his mum and didn’t have the ANF money.
“Typical dad, he was more worried about getting him home, so he paid his fare and got him home. That’s from the 70s and it’s still with this guy to this day.”
Maurice leaves behind his wife, Josephine and his two sons, Julian and Damian.
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