EDWARD SHARPLES

ON Saturday, April 9, peacefully in hospital, with his loving family by his side, Eddie, aged 80, of Great Harwood, formerly of Clayton-le-Moors.

The dearly loved and devoted husband of the late Valerie, much loved and loving dad of Carol, Edward and Paul, dear father-in-law of Russell, Tracy and Natasha, loving grandad of Carl, Mark, Catherine, Charlotte, Sara-Jane and Reece, also a loving great-grandad and dearly loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle.

Following his National Service, Eddie continued to serve with the RAF based in Libya, North Africa for eight years. He then had several jobs during his working life and was a caretaker at Western County Primary School before his retirement.

He and Valerie adored their sunshine holidays throughout Europe, with Venice being one of their favourite destinations.

Eddie loved attending the Rovers matches with his son Edward and later watching the matches on TV

His main passion though was horse racing, and

Eddie loved a flutter. He spent many a happy day at the races. A great rock ‘n’ roll dancer in his younger years, Eddie had also been a karaoke king - usually singing his own lyrics, which added to the fun.

He had a super sense of humour and was first and foremost a truly loving and devoted family man.

The service will be held in St Bartholomew’s Church, Great Harwood on Tuesday, April 26 at 1.30pm. Eddie will then be laid to rest in the family plot at Great Harwood Cemetery. Reunited with his beloved wife Valerie.

Family flowers only please; donations in memory of Eddie are being gratefully received on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society c/o www. champfunerals.com/ obituaries

Funeral director: Champ Funeral Services, Claytonle-Moors.