Tributes as Legion stalwart dies at 84
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Royal British Legion stalwart. Len Myerscough, retired chairman of the Great Harwood branch of the British Legion, died on Friday, July 22, aged 84.
Len had served with the East Lancashire Regiment and the Kings Liverpool when he was conscripted for three years in 1953.
His daughter Lynne Cook, who is also secretary of the Royal British Legion branch, said: “The Army was his career, he served in Egypt, Korea and Japan, he led a very full life and he got to see a lot of the world.”
Len, who leaves his wife Alice and two daughters, celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary on June 16. He had been ill for around two years.
Lynne said: “If something needed doing, he would be the one to do it, he was a rock and an inspiration to his grandchildren.
“He was highly respected not just by members of our own branch but other branches in the area.”
Len was a member of the Great Harwood branch of the British Legion for more than 30 years and served for a total of 15 years as a branch chairman.
He was also well known in the community for his fundraising for the Poppy appeal.
Lynne said: “My dad wanted to ensure that all the townships around Accrington were involved in Armed Forces Day and that the parade would visit all the townships in the borough.”
Posting on their Facebook page, the Great Harwood branch of the Royal British Legion said: “With a sadness and gratitude for all his dedication to our branch, our retired chairman, Len Myer- scough passed away on the 22/7/16 RIP.”
John Metcalfe, who chairs the Great Harwood branch, said: “Len encouraged a lot of the younger members to join us because he recognised that they were the future of the British Legion.
“He was always there in the background and has always been very encouraging.
“I took over from him about two years ago, I was vice chair previously but it was good to have him around and ask him questions to make sure I was doing things right for the legion.”
Len’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 3 at 10am at St Wulstans Church on Rushton Street in Great Harwood followed by interment at Great Harwood cemetery.