Tributes are flowing to a 'much loved and respected' owner of a small town hairdressing salon who has lost his battle with prostate cancer.
Tim Whittaker, 61, who ran Changes Hairdressing in Littleborough for more than 30 years, died at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury on Saturday April 24.
Wife Sharon, also 61, said Tim was 'very much a private, family man'.
After completing his training at the Vidal Sassoon salon in Manchester, Tim was invited by the then owner of Changes to work there and help train staff how to cut ladies' hair.
He later became manager of the shop after and he and Sharon were married in 1987, they bought the salon in 1990. They took up residence above in the 227-year-old three-storey building on Church Street.
"It is very much a family business, with me doing the bookkeeping, " explained Sharon. Tim's sister, Mandy Whittaker, 56, and 28-year-old daughter Megan Whittaker also work in the salon. He also had a son Jake, 33.
"We have received more than 200 cards of condolence from customers and friends," Sharon continued. "He was very much a private, family man and was loved and respected in Littleborough.
"He mentored and trained so many up and coming hairdressers who have gone on to run their own successful businesses. They all kept in contact with Tim. That was the kind of man he was.
"His interests included classic cars and he loved music, playing guitar around the house. Until recently, he had Jaguar Mk II.
"Tim was diagnosed six months ago, but the cancer had spread into his bones."
Meanwhile, more than 200 people have posted messages of support to the family on the Changes Hairdressing Facebook page.
The funeral takes place at Rochdale Crematorium on Monday May 10. Only 25 people will be allowed to attend because of Covid-19 restrictions.
