'˜True gentleman' Deepings barber who cut hair for incredible 73 years dies

Dick Callow during his last day of work EMN-171111-131754009

Dick Callow from Deeping St James passed away aged 87 from Motor Neurone Disease last week, two days after receiving his diagnosis.

Dick, who career began during the Second World War, started as an apprentice barber when he was just 14 before hanging up his scissors last November at J R Callow & Son in Market Deeping.

His family said in a statement: “Deepings legend and true gentleman Mr Dick Callow sadly passed away 19.10 on Wednesday, September 26 2018 at 87 years of age. We will carry his memory in our hearts forever.”

The post on Facebook has so far received 215 comments, emphasising Dick’s popularity.

His son Howard (53) from Elton runs the tobacconist and sweet shop at the front of the barbers.

He said: “He was a one off really. He did not have a bad word to say about anybody. He had a heart of gold.”

Dick was so committed to his work that he worked one day past his planned retirement age of 87 as it was a Saturday - the busiest day of the week.

After first working in Boston, Dick took over the barber shop in Market Place which was formerly known as AE Bowman and Son, on November 1, 1959, with some of his first customers still returning nearly 60 years later.

Dick leaves behind wife June (83), sons Howard and Andrew (57), three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral details have yet to be confirmed.