Manitoba barber retiring after working 66 years

A Manitoba barber is hanging up his clippers after 66 years of cutting hair.

A Manitoba barber who has helped style residents of his community for decades has completed his final haircut.

Leonard Grywacheski, 86, recently hung up his clippers after 66 years of working as a barber in St. Rose du Lac, a community located roughly 300 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg.

It was a suggestion from his mother that led him to his career path.

“She said, ‘You should do something; maybe you should cut hair,’” Grywacheski said in an interview Wednesday.

Grywacheski learned the tricks of the trade in Regina and briefly worked in Thunder Bay, before returning to his hometown. With some help from his parents, he purchased his shop space, and began trimming, shaving and cutting hair in the community.

“I enjoyed meeting the public and meeting people,” he said.

Hair traditions have changed a lot in the years he has been working.

“They’re cutting it too short, as far as I’m concerned,” Grywacheski said, noting his favourite haircut to give was the traditional brush cut.

Grywacheski thanked his customers for trusting him with their hair over the years.

“The most important thing is your customers,” he said.