Those we have loved and lost to coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS has brought heartache to many families across Rochdale.
And tragically, the number of deaths is continuing to rise.
Behind the Covid-19 death statistics that we publish each day are human beings who all had stories to tell.
At the Rochdale Observer, we have pledged to pay tribute to the special people who have died with this terrible disease.
This week, another family have been in touch with tributes for loved ones.
Here are some of their stories.
If you want to pay tribute to a loved one, fill out the form at form.jotform. com/201054543615043.
●●LINDA PHILLIPS
Linda lived in Wardle, and had six children, four grandsons and over 100 foster children.
Her family said she ‘worked tirelessly to protect vulnerable kids, from fostering over 100 children to fighting their corner when victims of abuse’.
She was a campaigner against child grooming and also volunteered in food banks.
She travelled the world taking supplies to many different countries.
Linda passed away aged 73 on April 14 at home.
Paying tribute, her family said: “A fantastic mother, grandma and friend. Nothing was ever too much trouble, anything you needed she would be there.
“There will never be another one like her.”
●●STEVEN BROWN
Paying tribute to Steven, his daughter Heather said he was an ‘amazing father’.
“Jesus wanted you for a sunbeam after all Dad x”, she added.
Steven lived in Rochdale had four children Jane, Chris, Ian and Heather. He was married to Eleanor.
His family said he loved walking the moors above Rochdale was a lifelong Rochdale AFC and Manchester United fan.
He died aged 72 on November 4.
●●PHILIP DAVID RENNIE
Philip was wife to Karen, dad to Adam and Aaron and also leaves behind his mum, motherin-law, brothers, stepchildren, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
He lived in Rochdale and went to Cronkyshaw Primary, Howarth Cross Middle School then
Greenhill School. He trained as a carpet fitter than spent some time coach driving, spending most of his time driving abroad.
Philip then worked for Rochdale Council, driving coaches for disabled children and elderly.
He gained his private pilot licence and loved fishing and animals.
He was happiest in his job working for NWAS in Oldham, his mum Jean said.
Paying tribute, Jean added: “My son was one of many to suffer with this awful virus.
“To each and every one R.I.P. You didn’t deserve what you went through.”
Philip died aged 60 at Fairfield Hospital.
●●DON ASTWOOD
Don was a retired DJ known affectionately as ‘Disco Don’.
He was husband to Glennis, dad to Kimberley and father-in-law to Helen.
He lived in Rochdale and served in the armed forces.
Don died aged 67 at Fairfield Hospital on
October 26. He had contracted Covid-19.
In a tribute, Don’s daughter Kimberley Astwood said: “My Dad was a wonderful man.
“He was always ready to offer help to anyone who needed it and always had time for a brew and a chat.
“He was known for his incredibly bad yet hilarious jokes that always made you smile even on the worst of days.
“His passing has left a massive hole in our lives and we will never be the same.”
●●DOROTHY BRADY
Dorothy had four daughters, one son and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was married Michael.
She worked as a PA and then at the Midway Hotel.
Dorothy loved knitting and spending time with her family.
Her daughter Dorothy said she had a great sense of humour and spoke her mind.
She lived in the Langfield Nursing Home in Middleton and passed to away at North Manchester General Hospital aged 78 after contracting Covid19.
Paying tribute to her mum, her daughter Dorothy said: “Miss you mum you’re with your best friend and soul mate now my dad.
“Wish I could have one more day with you just to let you know how much I love you and to give you a cuddle xxx.”
●●MARGARET RATCLIFFE
Margaret lived in Littleborough in Rochdale and passed away aged 91 on May 7 at Springhill Hospice.
She worked as a book keeper, then once she retired helped out at the Heritage Centre and was a member of Wardle Historical Society.
She loved spending time with family and friends.
Her granddaughter Lisa said she had a ‘fantastic sense of humour and would do anything for anyone’.
Margaret was married to late husband Eric, was sister to Doreen, Olive and Jacqueline, mum to Ian and Deborah, motherin-law to Jo and Karen, grandmother to Lisa and Paul and great-grandmother to Lucy, Lily and Jacob. She was also an aunty and great aunty.
In a tribute, Lisa said: “Night, night beautiful Angel, sleep tight lots of love from Ian, Debbie, Lisa, Paul, Lucy, Lily, Jacob, Jo, Karen, Craig & Amy.”
●●COLIN PARRY
Colin played football for Rochdale AFC and Stockport County and in the 60s and early 70s.
From Stockport, he was husband to Kath, dad to Liz and grandad to Charlotte and Karl.
He loved fishing, animals, music and life in general. He adored his family and grandchildren and knew he had great grandchild on the way.
Paying tribute to Colin, his daughter Liz said: “Dad, Grandad our hero.
“We miss you so much !! So sorry we didn’t get to say goodbye.”
Colin contracted coronavirus in a care home and fought for many months, his family said.