Dad-of-six dies suddenly after major heart op
He was living with ‘ticking timebomb’ condition
TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad-of-six who died suddenly after surgery to correct a ‘ticking timebomb’.
Andy Clarkson, 58, of Stanley Street, Accrington, suffered complications after a major operation on a heart aneurysm.
He died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on June 24, two days after going into surgery.
His son George said while the aneurysm was the most severe it could be, the family believed there was only a ‘slim’ chance of him not surviving the surgery.
Described as an ‘all round good guy’ Andy was well known around the town and lived a good life, working as a plasterer for 30 years and keenly supporting Burnley FC and Accrington Stanley.
His devastated family say they have received many messages of support and say everyone is welcome to attend the funeral service at Accrington Crematorium next Monday.
TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad-of-six who died suddenly after surgery to correct a ‘ticking timebomb’.
Andy Clarkson, of Stanley Street, Accrington, suffered complications after a major operation on a heart aneurysm.
He died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on June 24, two days after going into surgery.
The dear partner of Debbie Brady, he was the much loved father of Andy, 36, Chris, 34, George, 28, James, 24, Jack, 19, and Isla, 14, and leaves extended family including five beloved grandchildren.
His son George said while the aneurysm was the most severe it could be, the family believed there was only a ‘slim’ chance of him not surviving the surgery, which had been originally timetabled for February, only to be delayed.
He said: “It’s the worst one you can have, just a ticking timebomb.
“His brother died of it and it runs in the family - but it’s only just come to light.
“He could have lasted a week or five, ten years. They wanted to remove it straightaway. There was a small percentage chance of him dying. I think my dad said it was ‘80:20’ - so a slim chance.”
Described as an ‘all round good guy’ Andy was well known around the town and lived a good life, working as a plasterer for 30 years and keenly supporting both Burnley FC and Accrington Stanley.
His devastated family say they have received many messages of support and say everyone is welcome to attend the funeral service at Accrington Crematorium next Monday.
Son Chris said: “He was having checks and tests and had to get the go ahead to have the operation. We knew it was a serious operation, but not one of us thought this would happen; it really wasn’t an option.
“It was a massive shock to the family.
“He liked socialising in local pubs with friends - at the Broadway, the Royal, the Nags Head. He was a really social guy and had a laugh loved by everyone.
“Our grandad used to own the tyre place under the arches in Accrington We are a very close family, we all live locally and are in contact all the time.”
Andy’s funeral will be held on Monday, July 6 at 2.20pm at Accrington Crematorium.
Chris added: “It’s an open funeral to anyone who wants to pay their respects.
“We are allowed 22 in the church and then as many as needed outside.”
» See obituary below.