Tributes as history man Rod dies, 65
TRIBUTES have poured in for a Southport man who “bought history to life”.
Rod Bleackley died on Friday last week, after suffering from lung cancer.
The 65-year-old, who used to work for the Visiter, was very popular in the town, and was perhaps best known for his “Southport Yesteryear” Facebook page, which had almost 12,000 likes.
He used the page as a platform to share the history of the town and help users.
His ex-wife, Ingrid Bleackley, 64, paid tribute to the man she was married to for 32 years, before their divorce in 2010.
She said: “He was my best friend, he never lost his sense of humour.
“He will be missed by everyone, he is the nicest man you could ever know.
“It was like a fairy-tale when we got together, it is so hard knowing that I will never see him again.”
His grandson, Marc Macbain, also paid tribute to his much-loved grandad. He said: “He was more like a dad to me than a grandad. to educate other
“He taught me how to draw, he was a great artist, and he was always there for me and his greatgrandchildren.”
Rod was a pet lover who had a dog named Lady and a cat named Ginger.
The Ormskirk Bygone Times Facebook page also paid tribute to Rod.
It said: “Well, it’s with a heavy heart that this post is dedicated to Rod.
“I enjoyed many brews with Rod discussing local history and swapping various items that we both collect.
“Rod’s page amassed nearly 12,000 followers and brought history to life for many local folk.
“He missed.”
Many members of the group joined in paying tribute on Facebook.
Julia Edgar Smith wrote: “Loved following the posts. Will be missed for sure, RIP.”
Pat Waldon added: “This is so very sad, I loved will be sadly the Southport Yesteryear page, you will be sadly missed Rod RIP.”
Barry Carr wrote: “Wonderful page, many thanks Rod, RIP.”
Another user, Annie Bushell, wrote: “Yes I’m a big fan of his page, how sad. RIP Rod, thanks for the memories.”