Tributes have been paid to Jack Kelly, who opened Kelly’s Electrical on Wesley Street in Southport town centre in 1967.
Mr Kelly ran the iconic shop for over 50 years, gaining a fine reputation for his incredible knowledge and his unbeatable customer service, until he retired in September last year.
His family announced: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful Grandad, Jack Kelly.
“In 1967, our grandad opened Kelly’s on Wesley Street.
“He is a Southport legend, and is well known for his big personality and kind heart.
“As many will know, he spent his retirement still down Wesley Street, instead of serving customers he would enjoy popping down everyday and sitting outside Walkers having lunch with us.
“Things will never be the same again and as much as he would want his beloved shop back open tomorrow, we are going to take some time to adjust to life without him and remain closed until further notice.”
Dozens of people have left their tributes on the Kelly’s Electrical Facebook page.
Tony Wynne wrote: “Truly sorry to hear this…please accept my condolences. His shop was a treasure trove of electrical bits ‘n’ bobs. I first went in there in 1973 and have popped in over the years whenever I’ve lived in Southport. Such a helpful gentleman.”
Lynn Taylor-Lack, who ran a shop on Wesley Street, wrote: “So sorry for your loss. He was always exceptionally kind to me when I had my shop down Wesley Street. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The street won’t be the same without him. Thinking of you all.”
Andy Sutcliffe wrote: “Oh how sad he was the man to go to for years for anything electrical, if J A Kelly didn’t have it then you didn’t need it.
“Rest in Peace Jack thoughts with the family.”
Sandgrounder Radio presenter Dave Turley wrote: “A true Southport legend. A really nice bloke. RIP Jack. Thinking of all his family at this awful time.”
Mighty FM presenter Paul Tasker said: “He was a top bloke. Countless times he has fixed headphones for us and gave us the right voltage adapters. What a Southport legend Thoughts with his family.”
Mr Kelly ran Kelly’s Electrical until September last year, after 53 years at the helm, when he passed it on to a new generation of Kellys.
Husband and wife John and Kim Kelly now run the shop, keeping part of it as the traditional Kelly’s Electrical and converting another section into a fidget sensory toy shop called Kose Sensory Play.
The two ventures are combining, to give people ‘two shops in one’.
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