Housing Units founder passes away

THE MAN who founded one of the area’s most recognised companies has died.

And a Saddleworth venue will not see a sombre occasion, more a celebration of John Pellowe’s life.

As the founder and original owner of Housing Units of Hollinwood, his contribution to the town of Oldham cannot go unnoticed.

Building the premises at Wicketree lane in 1991. Left to right John Pellowe , Tim Pellowe, Harry Fox, Louanne Pellowe-Bailey, Jeff Hughes

And after passing away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 2 at the age of 89, memories detailed a life well lived.

After starting the business in 1960, John built it up from a small start to one of the most successful independent home furnishings retailers in the country.

He spotted the trend for DIY in the early 1960s and by the late 1970s/early 1980s Housing Units was at three locations – Manchester Road, Millgate off Hollins Road and Wickentree Lane.

And as daughter Louanne Pellowe-Bailey remembered: “Dad’s vision was always to amalgamate the three strands of the business at Wickentree Lane, a site he had purchased in the early days. He had a plan!

A recent photo December 2022, in Dartmouth, his favourite place

“This is where the company continues today. He achieved this aim in 1991 when the flagship store on Wickentree Lane was opened.

“A few years later, the site was developed further to add the second store and the associated buildings on that site.
“In 1999, wishing to enjoy other aspects life had to offer, dad sold Housing Units to an existing director to whom he had gifted some shares some years before.

“This gift was a great help in enabling the financing for the purchase to be secured. He was a generous man.”

One of the earliest photos of the original Housing Units, early 1960s

Selling Housing Units did not see John, a former paratrooper, slow down as Louanne added: “Dad went on to enjoy a variety of adventures and challenges.

“He trekked in Nepal’s Annapurna mountain range. He was a Prince of Wales Trust mentor. He sailed his boat and enjoyed hill walking, completing some long distance walks.

“He was a talented artist and mounted exhibitions of his work. He helped advise on the rebuilding of Greenacres Congregational Church.

The premises at 505 Manchester Road as many will remember it from the mid 70s onwards

“He worked on the Oldham Scanner Appeal committee and was a lifelong member of the Manchester YMCA, serving on the board for many years and acting as president.

“He wrote his memoirs, a wonderful read, and for which his family are deeply grateful.
“Above all, dad was a true gentleman. 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 us laughing. He was generous and kind.

“He gave good advice. He inspired and influenced a great many people and the many beautiful cards and letters we have received are testament to this.

The original premises at 505 Manchester Road taken late 60s early 70s

“He was a lifelong keep fit fanatic and an original healthy eater! Above all else he was a deeply loved and respected family man who will be greatly missed.

“The family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation to the staff at the Christie Hospital who cared for John with love and dedication for 10 years.

“Led by Professor Adrian Bloor (“He saved my life”, John told the grandchildren) the team at the Christie won back 10 good years, during which time memories were made, love and laughter shared.

“The family will be forever indebted to Adrian and his team.  They were great friends to John.”

The premises at 505 Manchester Road as many will remember it from the mid 70s onwards

John leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Vivienne, son Timothy and daughter Louanne and 5 cherished grandchildren – Eleanor, Johnny, Roberta, Sam and Kayden.
His funeral will be held at Greenacres Congregational Church on Galland Street on Friday, July 14 at 1.30pm.

The family has asked for no flowers but donations to the Christie Hospital in memory of John would be welcomed.

This can be done via the funeral director, G Barlow & Sons, Oldham, or direct to the Christie (in memory of).

Afterwards, John’s life will be recognised at The White Hart at Lydgate, and everyone wanting to attend has clear instructions.

Louanne continued: “John’s wishes were that this be a celebration of his life, not a sad occasion.

“Bright clothing and dancing shoes welcomed!”

12 Replies to “Housing Units founder passes away”

  1. RIP John, you were a character. Known you years. Shame they can’t get the history right and acknowledge your ole man starting the business back in 47 eh. Them good years.

    1. Sorry Keith, thats my fault (daughter). You’re quite right. – a bad omission. Dad was very proud of APAS where he served his apprenticeship and which gave him his start. He also loved and respected his father greatly., and he was immensely grateful for the start he had. I should have included that. A really bad error on my part. So sorry.

    2. Keith, just found the email I originally sent to the paper, this was at the start .., “Housing Units Ltd was registered in 1947 by John’s father Lewis Pellowe. However, it was in 1960 that John took over the business which he built it up from a very small business selling building materials to one of the most successful independent home furnishings retailers in the country”. I think the paper had to make the whole thing more concise and I’m very grateful that they ran such a lovely piece on Dad. But you can see that Lewis did get credited. HU was registered separately to APAS I believe, but I know that Dad served his time at APAS. It was all rather complicated after his father died. I hope that makes a bit more sense of it.

      1. Louanne , my dad has very happy memories of serving his apprenticeship with your dad and they kept in touch for many years. ( Tommy Gowers) in fact they got together for a meal at the white hart last year.
        We have a lovely story of your dads generosity when in the 80’s my sister Wendy got married and we bought her a dining room suite from housing units. It was delivered to their home but before wendy and Boyd moved in the house was burgled, and they took the new furniture. When your dad heard about this he re-placed it free of charge. Made my sisters wedding. Thank you Johnny.
        We all read your dads book – a fine read.
        RIP Johnny.
        Ann Connolly

  2. I worked for Mr Pellowe & Tim for over 7 years. At Housing Units I met my now husband. What a lovely & generous gentleman he was. Without Housing Units we would have never met. Thank you and rest in peace. Love to all the family
    Diane & Mike Green xxx

  3. I worked with Mr Pellowe and Tim for many years and Mr Pellowe was a perfect gentleman and really looked after all his staff. He was loved by everyone. Such sad news.
    Carol Donohoe.

  4. Worked for Mr Pellowe as a cleaner for many years what a lovely kind man he was. Always thanked me for the cups of tea I made him. A true gentleman Cath

  5. So Sad to hear Mr Pellowe has passed away. I had many happy years at Housing Units before I retired. Working for Mr Pellowe & his family. He never walked passed you without having a word, forever joking,. He will be sadly missed xx ❤️

  6. I loved working at housing units bagging for Mrs P, as a teenager at college, such a warm welcoming family atmosphere . My mum and dad (Colette and Stuart Hyde) also worked there for many years and always spoke very highly of Mr P and family, may he rest in peace xxx

  7. My sister and I have lovely, happy memories from our childhood…living at the bottom of Copsterhill Rd. We were always made welcome by Mr. & Mrs. Pellowe when we were invited to play with Tim & Louanne. We thoroughly enjoyed collecting fresh eggs from their hens in the Garden. Happy carefree days! .
    John was a true Gentleman. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
    Lynn & Ann (Mercer).

  8. Worked at Housing Units as a Housekeeper for many happy years.,My first meeting with Mr Pellowe was one morning whilst I was going about my work. He came in wearing wellies. A donkey jacket and a bowler hat. Was so sad to hear of his passing. A true Gentleman and a lovely boss.

  9. So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr P such a lovely man .
    A people person ,I worked at HU for many years .
    Condolences to his family

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