DAVID BRACEWELL

MR David Bracewell, of Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, passed away peacefully at Fairfield Hospital on Wednesday, April 14, aged 77, after a long illness, with his wife and two children by his side.

David was a well known figure in the Edenfield and Rawtenstall area, where he spent all his life.

He met his future wife Lorraine whilst both waiting on tables at the Horse & Jockey in Edenfield. They married in 1967 and moved to a cottage near the Plunge in Edenfield.

David was always interested in the licensing trade and in the mid-70s they became stewards at Ramsbottom Liberal Club before moving to Rawtenstall and taking over The Crown, which they ran from 1977-80. He was well known for his fine beer and even won an award for it.

With two young children, David gave up the licensing trade and drove for a number of HGV firms over the years including B.Leach, Barnes, and Fagan & Whalley up to retiring.

Even after retirement David decided to carry on and worked part time at Fred Hamer’s Funeral Services where he worked for a number of years, and he regrettably only gave up due to ill health.

In his spare time David liked tinkering with cars and had a love for music, especially rock and roll.

He was an avid Elvis fan and enjoyed going to the Poplar Club in Accrington to watch live bands and tribute acts that reminded him of his younger years.

He was also a long term member of Rossendale Con Club and a regular at the White Lion and Rams Head where he made many friends over the years.

David was a kind and quiet family man who always loved to reminisce with people. He loved his family very much and was very proud of his two children. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.

David leaves his devoted wife of 54 years Lorraine, son Paul, daughter Zoe, daughterin-law Wendy, son-in-law Shane and his three grandchildren Chloe, Dylan and Harvey who he loved dearly.

The funeral will take place at 12.20pm on Monday, April 26 at Accrington Crematorium.

Unfortunately, due to current number restrictions this will only be for family and a few close friends. There will also be a very short service held at James Street Chapel of Rest, Rawtenstall at 11.30am for anyone else who may wish to pay their respects.

The family have decided there will be no function after the service, but there will be a celebration of his life later in the year for family and friends.

Family flowers only; donations are welcome to the British Heart Foundation or your own chosen charity.

Tributes and donations can be made online at www.fredhamer.co.uk

Funeral director: Dawn Winfield for Fred Hamer Funeral Service, Rawtenstall.