Tributes to Rotary stalwart Brian
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Rotary Club president and school chairman of governors described as a “true gentleman”.
Brian Mayers, formerly of the Cooperage in Oswaldtwistle, died peacefully at Vine House on Wednesday, June 29, aged 89.
Brian had been a member of Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club for more than 50 years and had served as an officer in every area of the club, and as president in 1977.
The great-grandfather was presented with a certificate in 2015 marking his five decades of being a Rotarian.
Rotary club chairman Michael Ratcliffe, who had known Brian for many years, said Brian had been an “impressive stalwart” of the club.
He added: “He was highly respected throughout the Rotary organisation for his achievements.
“He was a true gentleman and he will be sorely missed.”
Born in Salford in 1927, Brian was appointed public health inspector in the then Church and Oswaldtwistle Urban Council after moving to the area with his late wife Maureen in 1962.
He became deputy environmental health officer when Hyndburn council was formed and held this post until his retirement.
Brian also served as chairman of the board of governors at St Paul’s Primary School for nearly 20 years, and was an active member of St Paul’s Church. He was also very much involved in Oswaldtwistle’s twinning with Falkenberg in Sweden.
His son Philip said Brian was a very devoted father to him, Christine and Ray, Judith and Jackie.
He said: “He was very dedicated to his work with organisations such as the Rotary Club and the Civic Society.
He was a very proud man and he always kept newspaper clippings of anything that happened in Hyndburn that he was involved with. We lost our mum 18 months ago.
“We all wish and dream for things and his wish came true to be with mum. We’ve had some bad times with the family but dad has always been the one that held it together.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of people since he died and they all said he was a true gentleman.”
His funeral service will be held at 11.45am on Wednesday, July 6 at St Paul’s Church, Catlow Hall Street, Oswaldtwistle, prior to committal at Accrington Crematorium.