BRIAN WHITTLES

MR James Brian Whittles, of Broadway, Haslingden, died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Saturday, March 6, aged 88.

Brian, as he was known, became an apprentice upon leaving school aged 14 to become a qualified panel beater.

After his National Service as a Lance

Corporal in the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, Brian worked at Bellhouse, Hartwell & Co Westhoughton, then Lucas Gas Turbine Equipment Ltd Burnley as a panel beater.

He then moved into teaching, beginning at St Ambrose’s Rawtenstall, before moving to The Hollins Accrington, and then becoming a lecturer at Accrington and Rossendale College, from which he retired.

In his early years Brian was a member of the Bolton Clarion Cycling Club and received many time trial awards. Brian’s hobbies included restoring vintage classic cars as a panel beater, and vintage car radiators. He enjoyed amateur radio, and travelling throughout Europe in the caravan with his late wife Jacqueline. Brian was a keen photographer and grower of fruit and vegetables in his garden.

He was the beloved husband of the late Jacqueline, and leaves behind daughters Susan and Sharon, sons-in-law Nicholas and Ian, and grandchildren Christopher, Alexander, Craig, and Elizabeth.

The funeral service will be held at Fred Hamers, James Street, Rawtenstall, on Wednesday, March 24 at 11am.

If you wish to pay respects, please contact the funeral director to notify the family. Flowers accepted.

Funeral director: Dawn Winfield for Fred Hamer Funeral Service.