OBITUARIES ROBERT TAYLOR
ANTHONY CALLAGHAN
MR Anthony Joseph Callaghan, of Aspen Lane, Oswaldtwistle, passed away on Friday, March 30, aged 77.
Anthony was a property repairer by trade and in his spare time he enjoyed walking, cricket and was a supporter of Arsenal Football Club. He also liked socialising at the weekend with friends.
He leaves wife, Laura, children Dean, Jason and Tina, and seven grandchildren, Dylan, Joel, Charlotte, Sam, Sophie, Declan and Chloe.
A funeral service will take place at 11am on Tuesday, April 17, Accrington Crematorium, officiated by David Ireland, followed by cremation.
Family flowers only please, however donations, if desired, requested to British Heart Foundation.
Funeral director: Peter Regan, Hyndburn Funeral Services.
DEREK WARD
MR Derek Ward, of Garden Street, Accrington, passed away on Thursday, March 29, aged 85.
Derek was born and raised in Accrington, where he attended Spring Hill Junior School and later went on to the technical college in Oswaldtwistle. On leaving full-time education he started his first job, as an apprentice joiner, at Accrington builders, Leonard Franklands.
When he was 21 he did his National service in the Army, first in Chester and then later in Manorbier, South Wales. Following his National Service he returned to Accrington to resume joinery. Four years later he started at Post Office Telephones (BT) where he worked for 28 years before taking early retirement in 1988.
Derek leaves his loving wife Elsie to whom he was married for 64 years, daughter Christine, son Keith, grandson Andrew, granddaughter Joanne, great-grandsons Jaxon and Cobi, daughter-in-law Kath and son-in-law Jim.
In the late 1950s Derek helped to form the Boys’ Brigade company at Spring Hill Methodist Church and was involved with them for a good number of years. For the last few years of his service he was captain and afterwards was frequently invited back to attend special occasions.
Derek was a family man and throughout the generations has loved nothing more than playing games, reading and making things with them.
Derek loved all kinds of music, he played the piano and organ and he played for church services at the New Jerusalem Church, Accrington. He also played his own organ at home, where he played almost every day until his failing health prevented him from doing so.
He was an active member of the New Jerusalem Church and for many years was Secretary of the Christmas Fayre Committee.
Derek was a DIY man and did most of the jobs around the home himself until he got older and then he would happily supervise anyone else who was willing to carry out a job to his exacting standards. He always did a good job and anyone following his instructions knew it had to be perfect. His shed was always tidy, a place for everything and everything in its place.
Derek was a joker and a mimic and would happily entertain any group who were willing to listen. He would also tell many of his own little jokes which he learned from joke books which the grandchildren had bought him. He would perform his own one-man band, with all the sound of the instruments from his lips and fingers, to the amusement of his family.
Derek was a very proud man and would rarely be seen away from the house without a collar, tie and shiny shoes. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 3.40pm on Monday, April 16, at Accrington Crematorium, officiated by David Ireland, followed by cremation.
Family flowers only, donations if desired requested to Action for Children, c/o Hyndburn Funeral Services, Queen Road Accrington. Funeral Director: Peter Regan. MR Robert Taylor, of Netherton House, Clayton Street, Great Harwood, passed away on Friday, March 30, aged 82.
During his career he was employed as a production manager – Footwear Progress Chaser for Priestley Footwear Ltd in Great Harwood.
Robert was a keen photographer and in the early 1980s was a member of the photography club in Great Harwood. He was very artistic enjoying oil and watercolour painting and had his pieces displayed at Haworth Art Gallery.
He enjoyed outdoor crown green bowling, but unfortunately was unable to continue due to ill health. His pride and joy was his car. He loved spending time with his loyal friends for lunch, shopping trips and days out and trips to Rivington Barn, along with socialising with many friends, participating in various social occasions and activities at Netherton House.
A beloved father, father-in-law, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, he was also Brother and loyal friend to ‘Big Bob’ and Joyce.
He will be dearly missed and happy memories will be cherished forever ‘love you always Dad xxx’
A funeral service will take place at 1pm on Tuesday, April 17, at Accrington Crematorium, administered by David Ireland, followed by cremation. Flowers are welcomed.
Funeral Director: Peter Regan, Hyndburn Funeral Services.
DHANESHWAR PRASAD SHARMA
DR Dhaneshwar Prasad Sharma passed away peacefully in Royal Blackburn Hospital on Wednesday, April 4, aged 86.
He was the beloved husband of Kalpana, loving dad of Neil, father-in-law of Sarah and Grandad of Maya.
A funeral service will be held at 3pm on Monday, April 16, at Accrington Crematorium, followed by committal.
Family flowers only please, but donations, if desired may be made to East Lancs Hospice c/o Co-op Funeralcare, 10-14 Mincing Lane, Blackburn.
HARRY DEAN
MR Harry Dean, of Ramsbottom Street, Accrington, passed away on Friday, March 30, at East Lancashire Hospice, aged 90.
He served in the RAF in India and Aden from 1946 to 1948.
Upon leaving, he worked as a cashier, before becoming a salesman, and then promoted to sales director for William Birtwistle Allied M/Hills up until 1980.
He then moved on to work at Accrington VAT Office where he remained prior to retirement.
He was a keen member of Great Harwood Golf Club. His hobbies and interests included football, cricket, snooker and especially golf.
Beloved husband of Margaret, dearly loved dad and father-in-law of Janet and Dan, cherished grandad of Fleur and the late Adam and a good friend to Lee.
A funeral service will take place at 9.40am on Friday, April 20, at Accrington Crematorium, administered by Sandra Howles, followed by cremation.
Flowers from close family only please, however donations, if desired, suggested to Macmillan Nurses and East Lancs Hospice.
Funeral Director: Wolstenholme Funeral Services.
CHRISTINE MAYOR
CHRISTINE Mayor née Barnes, of Clayton-leMoors, formerly of Huncoat, passed away peacefully in hospital with her daughter by her side on Thursday, April 5, aged 60.
Christine worked for the last 14 years as a domestic at St Christopher’s High School and worked her way up to manager. She loved her work and made many good friends over the years.
Christine loved horses and in her younger years she loved nothing more than throwing on her best riding wear to take part in the latest horse competition and she was known to win many and she had a large collection of rosettes and trophies.
A lifelong Manchester United fanatic, Christine loved to keep up-to-date with her beloved team and never failed to watch a match and spent many hours at Old Trafford supporting them.
Christine loved her dogs and she leaves behind her precious husky Rio. A proud grandma, Christine always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren.
The devoted and much-loved mum of Nicola and loving mother-in-law of Sarah, cherished grandma of Riley, Macie and Oscar, dear sister of Martin and sister-in-law of Elaine and also a dear relative and friend to many.
Christine’s funeral service will take place at 11am on Monday, April 16, at Accrington Crematorium, Burnley Road.
Family flowers only please with donations in memory of Christine via https://www.gofundme.com/christinemayor039sfuneral
Enquiries to: Champ Funeral Services, Claytonle-Moors.
EVELYN LODGE
MRS Evelyn Lodge, of Altham Care Home, Altham, passed away on Friday, March 23, aged 90.
Evelyn lived in Richmond Hill Street with her late sister Edith. She attended Hyndburn Park School. In 1950 Evelyn met her husband-to-be George, whilst dancing at the Accrington Conservative Club - they were married for 67 years.
Evelyn worked as an office clerk before moving on to work at Marks and Spencer for several years. Before retiring she worked at GEC in Clayton-le Moors.
She was a quiet person who liked to look after her family, read, watch football and rugby. She enjoyed going on holidays around the UK, one of her favourite places being Whitby.
Wife of the late George, Evelyn leaves her sons Stuart and Bryan, daughter Janet, son-in-law Paul and daughter-in-law Vicki. She also leaves grandchildren Lisa, Sarah, Neil, Hamid, Amir and Sarah and great-grandchildren James, Jake and Isla.
A funeral service will take place at 11am on Monday, April 23, at Accrington Crematorium, administered by Rev G N Higham.
Family flowers only please, however donations, if desired, suggested to Alzheimer’s Society.
Funeral director: Peter Regan, Hyndburn Funeral Services.
BARRY ALLEN
MR Barry Allen, of St Ledger Court, Accrington, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, April 5, aged 71.
In his early years Barry became an engineer in Clitheroe and also worked for various schools there. He then took on the role of landlord at the Kings Arms in Accrington, before working as a caretaker at Accrington and Rossendale College and Moorhead High School.
He later became landlord of The Arden Inn up until his retirement. He then worked as a steward at Blackburn Rovers Football Club.
During his time as a landlord he was chairman of the Hyndburn independent pool league and greatly enjoyed pool, darts and dominoes; he also ran trips to the races at Cartmel and was well known for recycling and re-telling other people’s jokes.
In his spare time and during his retirement he also took pleasure in going away on holiday to Tenerife, as well as to the family caravan at Fleetwood and when he was younger ran for Hash House Harriers.
Barry sadly leaves his devoted and dearly-loved wife Marion, his muchloved step-children Mark and Becky, also his dear sisters, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws and nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held at 3pm, on Wednesday, April 18, at Accrington Crematorium.
Family flowers only please, but donations are welcome for Rosemere Cancer Foundation in memory of Barry c/o Barton and Hallworth Funeral Service, Oswaldtwistle.
GAYLE TAYLOR
Accrington, sadly passed away on Monday, April 9, aged 56.
In her youth Gayle attended Hollins High School and later worked for Woodcocks Solicitors for about 13 years before working in the Arndale Centre for a few years afterwards.
Gayle loved animals so she enjoyed visiting wildlife parks, safari parks and zoos as well as horticultural shows, including the Great Harwood show.
She took pleasure in going out for day trips with her family to the seaside, especially Blackpool where she liked the slot machines, she also liked visiting museums.
She loved going away on holiday and has visited many places including France, Tenerife, Marmaris, Greece, Bulgaria and Benidorm.
In her spare time she enjoyed colouring and art as well as going on occasional special spa days.
Gayle will be very sadly missed by all her family and friends.
Gayle was the muchloved mum of Rebecca, Charlotte, Brian, Geoff, Gareth and Derek, a treasured grandma of Isabella, Jessica, Jackson, Charlotte, Reece, Nicole and Courtney, a dear sister of Brian, Dave, Debra and Julie, a loving partner of Alan and a best friend of Daisy the Dog.
A celebration of life service will take place at 12.20pm, on Monday, April 16, at Accrington Crematorium.
Family flowers only please, but donations are welcome and may be sent in memory of Gayle for Macmillan Cancer Support c/o Barton and Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.
STEPHEN SINGLETON
MR Stephen Gerald Singleton sadly passed away surrounded by his family and friends after a brave battle on Sunday, April 8.
Keeping his sense of humour throughout, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many.
He will be greatly missed, rest peacefully, pain free.
The funeral service will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Tuesday, April 17 at 10.20am.
Donations to East Lancashire Hospice.
The funeral arrangements will be looked after by Rosie Ann Priestner at Hyndburn Funeral Services.