Community pillars gone too soon
HUNDREDS GATHERED in Sowerby Bridge recently as the town said goodbye to two community pillars.
A procession took place this month for ‘gentle giant’ Stefon Eidson, 74, and his wife Nancy, 71, who sadly died four days between each other.
Mr Eidson died on April 19 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, with his widow passing away four days later from what friends describe as ‘a broken heart’.
April Charlesworth, who was a close friend of the couple for 39 years, said: “Gentle giant Stefon was the Managing Director of Thor Homecare Ltd, which he started in 1978.
“He played football for years for various teams including Hebden Bridge and Sowerby United.
“His family had been informed they couldn’t see him at the care home he was in due to coronavirus.
“His devoted wife Nancy had been visiting daily, but was no longer allowed under current regulations of self isolation.
“He didn’t have any company apart from his son, who nursed him for the last few days of his life and we think he just gave up,” she said.
“His wife, Nancy died four days later of a broken heart; again the Covid-19 indirectly took two lives.”
Mrs Eidson worked for the NHS for over 44 years in different sectors, starting her training at the aged of 16 at Halifax General Infirmary, eventually retired at the age of 61.
“She was a very outstanding person, kind, considerate and extremely generous, who loved to socialise and had a great sense of humour,” said Ms Charlesworth.
“They celebrated their 50 years of marriage last year, and will be sadly missed.
“I can’t help feeling they both had quite a few years left if it hadn’t been for the pandemic.”
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