BRIAN O’ROURKE

MR Brian O’Rourke, of Clayton-le-Moors, sadly passed away in the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Thursday, June 15, aged 82.

Brian was the youngest son of Michael and Mary O’Rourke. In 1956, at the age of 21, he married his soulmate Mary, a loving relationship which would last 61 years, with the couple recently celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Throughout his life he was a man of many achievements, the proudest of these being his family, with his beloved grandchildren as the greatest. He delighted in spending quality time with all of them and was known with affection as Grumpy by all of his four grandchildren.

During his life Brian was proud to have served for his country during his National Service with the R.E.M.E. in Korea and Egypt and would talk fondly of his exploits in the Army. His working life continued at Stockley’s Sweets, Mastabar Mining and then at care homes for LCC.

Brian loved sport, especially swimming, and in later life swam every week - up until recently. He was also an accomplished and well-known runner along with his two older brothers Donald and Vincent, who all ran with the Clayton Harriers, of which their father Michael was a founder member in the 1920s.

Without a doubt Brian was happiest when he was with his family, especially in the company of his beloved Mary, and he could always be seen holding her hand. He also loved listening to music and loved to sing along with Frank Sinatra, especially ‘My Way’.

“One thing for sure Brian – Dad – Grumpy you certainly did it ‘Your Way’ - you will be forever in our hearts and very sadly missed.”

Brian was a totally devoted husband of Mary, a loving father of Kathryn, Nigel and Jason, a dear father-in-law of Gary, Janet and Janet also a superhero grandad of Matthew, Benjamin, Flynn and Louis.

His funeral service will take place at 1.45pm on Monday, June 26, at All Saints Church, Clayton-leMoors, prior to committal at Accrington Crematorium.

Family flowers only please but donations are welcomed in memory of Brian for Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, further enquiries to Paul Barton at Barton and Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.