AN East Anglia hairdresser who set up salons across the region has died from cancer after 34 years in the profession.

AN East Anglia hairdresser who set up salons across the region has died from cancer after 34 years in the profession.

John Oliver established the company of the same name in 1972 and set up shops in Suffolk and Norfolk and established a training academy.

He died last Thursday after two years of battling the disease and leaves behind his wife, Diane, who he lived with near Norwich.

Mr Oliver retired from hairdressing in 2004 after having been involved in the profession nationally and internationally, both with Inter Coiffure and The Fellowship of British Hairdressing.

Natasha Smith, managing partner of the Ipswich salon said: “John Oliver was a unique hairdresser and impacted on the lives of many of the Ipswich staff.

“In fact myself and other senior colleagues owe our careers to him - we wouldn't be here without his influence.

“We were all devastated to hear the news.”

Jason Ball, managing director of John Olivers , said: “John Oliver was the heart and soul of the business.

“A charismatic and warm man, he was a mentor, and friend, to many employees and colleagues in the trade.

“He had an uncanny knack of predicting future trends both within the fashion and business worlds.

“As the visionary figure-head for the company he cared passionately about the hairdressing industry, cascading his ideas to the salon teams, motivating senior management and trainees alike.

“John was always interested in people, influencing the minds and careers of many, he will be sadly missed”.

A memorial service is planned for early October. Donations for cancer research can be sent to Ivan Fisher, Norton House, 17 Park Drive, Hethersett, Norwich, NR9 3EN.

Weblink:

www.johnolivers.com

N Would you like to pay tribute? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk