WILLIAM HOLDEN

MR William Joseph Holden, of Accrington, died on Saturday, April 8 peacefully in Clitheroe Hospital, aged 85.

Following his army days Bill, as he was known, worked at Bank Hall Pit as a collier until it closed in 1972.

He then worked for many years as a railway fireman on the main passenger line changing the engines over to diesel, and later he also spent time as a supermarket manager for Kwik Save.

Dedicated, Bill was happy to work as many hours as needed.

In his spare time Bill enjoyed sports, and coarse and game fishing with his good friend Ralph Lane, and he would look after Ralph’s dog and his house when Ralph went on holiday.

He enjoyed his visits to Scotland to see his friend Geoff from his mining days. Bill also wrote the most beautiful poetry and had travelled to many places in the world.

He liked to keep busy and active and enjoyed being in company. He loved nature and scenery.

Bill will be sadly missed by his family and friends who were so important to him.

A service to give thanks for the life of Bill will be held at Accrington Crematorium at 11.40am on Thursday, April 20 with Civil Funeral Celebrant Lianna Champ. Flowers to the Chapel of Rest.

Funeral director: Champ Funeral Services, Bank House, Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.