KENNETH BROWN
MR Kenneth Brown passed away at Addison Court nursing home in Accrington on Saturday, December 28 aged 78.
Kenneth lived all his life in Haslingden and Accrington in seven or eight different houses before spending 25 years on Barnes Street looking after his mum Beatrice Brown in her later years.
He subsequently moved to sheltered housing at Kirk House, later to the Belvedere residential home and, as his health deteriorated, to the Addison Court nursing home.
From the age of 14, Kenneth worked in the industry that built Haslingden as a cotton thread and cloth machinery operator before the industry’s decline saw him move to Platts textile machinery factory in Accrington.
When it went bankrupt in 1982, Kenneth switched to caring for his mum and dad. Throughout his working life he was very well regarded as a reliable and conscientious employee and “his timekeeping could not be faulted” (Birtwistle’s reference). He was a slim, nimble and walked to and from work every day.
Kenneth’s biggest passion was speedway. He was an avid supporter of his home team the Belle Vue Aces in Manchester. He attended speedway events all across the country and as far afield as Poland. He also collected memorabilia including programmes, badges and photographs. Kenneth had a whole room dedicated to his speedway collection, which included over a thousand badges and shelves full of bound and loose programmes.
He loved walking, photography, gardening, his cats, music (especially country and western), television, sports, a daily paper, getting out and about each day and travelling. He visited his brother Ian and family in Canada. He was selfless and generous, supporting many charities over the years. He had no hesitation in striking up a conversation and engaging everyone he met with a typical northern smile and humour.
He leaves his family of brother Ian Brown, sister-in-law Patricia Brown and niece Nicola Brown. He never married.
Funeral service and cremation will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Monday, January 30 at 12.20pm officiated by Mrs Sandra Howles. Flowers are welcome.
Funeral arrangements: Kirby and Hughes, Accrington.