They called him “Frenchie” because of his French accent and for 18 years, Michel Kerbage was a familiar face at Malibu Colony Liquor on PCH. Kerbage died of a heart attack after a long illness.
He was loved by his customers, friends and co-workers.
“He was a fixture and my good friend,” said Mark Marcellino, another familiar face who worked with Kerbage for many years.
He was one of the shopkeepers who kept their businesses open during fires, power outages and other emergencies, offering water and sodas to first responders.
Kerbage switched over to Malibu Country Mart and Liquor only a few months ago. Earlier this year, a neighbor in the center thought it was odd that he still had his lights on past 9:30 p.m. and went to check on him.
It appears Kerbage just closed his last transaction, put his head on a bag of ice near the counter and there he passed.
Given his serious health history, no foul play is suspected, but “Frenchie” will be missed by many.