A POPULAR figure in the auto repair industry who died in a freak accident at Laverton last Friday has been described as a "typical good bloke" by business associate Mark Zahro, of Berkshire Autos in North Sunshine.
Keilor resident John Kolich, 63, is believed to have opened the first prestige auto repair shop in North Sunshine.
"He owned Weststar Prestige, just down the road from our place. I've known John for about 30 years and he was very well known and respected," Mr Zahro said.
"John always had time to spare if you needed advice or just wanted to have a chat. He was a successful businessman and was one of the first Mercedes Benz-recommended repairers in the west. He will be sadly missed."
Mr Kolich died after he was hit by a trailer tyre in Laverton on Friday.
Police said he had stopped at the side of the Princes Freeway to assist a driver whose car had broken down.
When Mr Kolich returned to his car, he was hit and killed by a tyre that flew off a trailer being towed by a passing truck. The truck, which was towing an excavator, stopped further along the road and the driver assisted police with their inquiries. The investigation will continue.
A funeral service for Mr Kolich will be held at 10am tomorrow at St Leopold Mandic Church, Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer.
Lina Mesiti
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