MICHAEL HOLLINGBERYOBE, former chairman of electrical giant Comet, died on 3 September, 2009.The millionaire businessman sold the family firm to Kingfisher for £50m in 1984.His father, George, founded the company in 1933, renting out radios and batteries.In the 1950s, he set up his first shop in George Street, Hull, later expanding to Driffield and Bridlington. He died in 1958, aged 55.Michael Hollingbery took over aged 25 and, in a revolutionary move, launched the UK's first out-of-town superstore.The warehouse-style discount store sold only radios and TVs and the products were kept packed away in boxes.Mr Hollingbery's wife of 37 years, Karen Hollingbery, said: "He was very fortunate during this time that he had a lot of friends and his father's friends, who helped him with the business. They were hugely supportive."Mr Hollingbery was born in Harrogate in Yorkshire, but grew up in Kirk Ella, Hull. He met his wife in 1960 and they wed two years later at St Mary's Church in Beverley.They had three children – George, Jo and Richard – and six grandchildren.Mrs Hollingbery, said: "He worked hard, but he was also a family man. He was very dynamic and enthusiastic, with a razor-sharp brain. He was a very, very kind and generous friend to many people."Mr Hollingbery was awarded an OBE in 2007 for services to the community.He donated money to various charitable causes, including the postgraduate education centre at the University of Hull, Humberside Youth Association and cancer charities.
Notify me with new activity on this notice
