Goodbye Dad

[1959_60]

I haven't been on here for a while, I didn't want to get involved in arguing the toss while my Dad was not well.
Yesterday was his funeral and he was given a great send off, including a claret and blue floral tribute.

He had been a regular on the Turf since the 30's and was still as committed to the cause right to the end.
He had no time at all for supporters who were overly critical of the Clarets, although he wobbled a bit when we sold Jimmy Mac who he regarded as the best Burnley player he had ever seen.
He was lucky enough to see the Clarets become Champions of England in 1960, and he finally got to see us win at Wembley in the 90's.
With his pedigree it was inevitable that I would follow in his footsteps, and I made my debut on 20th April 1963 at home to Nottm Forest. we were favorites for the double at the time, but we were pipped to the title by Ipswich and then lost the Cup Final to Spurs.
He was the most honest man I have known and he couldn't abide any form of cheating or dishonesty. If he had to borrow a small amount of money then he would absolutely insist that he repaid it. Quite often he would come up to me and say, for instance, "Here's that 5P I borrowed from you two weeks ago for that drink".

The war had a massive impact on him. He was called up for National Service in 1946 and stationed in Germany and Vienna.
He has explained to me the total destruction of some of the German towns and the fact that the German people were actually exactly like people from any other country.
He fully supported countries working in collaboration with each other instead of in competition, and therefore a constant tension between nations. He had seem at first hand the possible result of such strife.
I well remember the way me and my Dad celebrated when we joined the Common Market, and how desolate we were following the referendum of 2016.
Coming from working class stock (he worked on the railways until Beeching and Maprles closed the Bacup-Bury line) he was always anti-Tory and we both supported the Labour Party until the 80's, when we both started favoring the Liberals. When Tony Blair became leader of Labour that ended any residual support for them.

He was very intelligent, but had no opportunity to make the most of it at school in those days.
He was a very keen cyclist and toured Europe for holidays, something that I used to do later.
He was well into his 80's when he cycled to Portland Bill and back, his final tour.

He was the best darts player in Rossendale for many years, captained Rossendale Chess team. He actually played for Lancashire once on a higher board than Nigel Short, our only grand Master. True, Nigel was only ten at the time, but hey.

He actually played for Burnley twice in the 50's. But that was for the Water Prize brass Band at half time. During his time in the band they actually won the national championships.

God Bless you Dad, you will be missed.

See thee later.

[WillPark]

My deepest condolences. He sounds to have been a great man and father. Praying that you get trough this difficult time.

[alfinyalcabo]

So sorry for your loss 59/60 and what a fitting tribute that is your Dad,it brought tears to my eyes mate.Always remember all the great memories and times you had with him.He will be with you until you meet again.

Condolences to you and all your family. Alf

[Norder]

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sad to hear of your loss - 59"....seems he stayed very active, even in his older years, mine was too, and also loved his bikes.

Thanks for picturing him for us - but for you, no amount of words....................................... .




..

[barrie_burn]

Condolences to you and the family 59/60.He had a good innings and what an interesting read.

I particularly liked the reference to Water Band.My uncle lived all his life in Water,joined the Band as a ****ager and was still involved teaching the kids until his death a few years ago.He was a trombonist by the name of Frank Horne and he was also the musical director for years at Bacup Empire Theatre,prior to that he played at the Astoria in Rawtenstall for years and regularly travelled to Blackpool to play during the summer season,your Dad would have known him well.

I live in South Wales now but it is lovely to hear about people and read stories from "The North". Welcome back.

[sinkov]

My sincere condolences on your loss 59, and what a wonderful tribute to your dad. And never mind that Nigel Short was only ten years old when your dad played on a higher board, Short was a chess prodigy, he beat Victor Korchnoi when he was ten, your dad must have been some player !! And some man as well.

[Supersub6]

Sinkov has said it all as far as I am concerned. Sincere condolences to you and your family and best wishes in moving on ---it takes time!

[1959_60]

Thank you for your kind words everyone. They are truly appreciated.

The last thing he would want is for people to be moping over him, and he loved a good stimulating argument, so it's business as usual!

[1959_60]

Condolences to you and the family 59/60.He had a good innings and what an interesting read.

I particularly liked the reference to Water Band.My uncle lived all his life in Water,joined the Band as a ****ager and was still involved teaching the kids until his death a few years ago.He was a trombonist by the name of Frank Horne and he was also the musical director for years at Bacup Empire Theatre,prior to that he played at the Astoria in Rawtenstall for years and regularly travelled to Blackpool to play during the summer season,your Dad would have known him well.

I live in South Wales now but it is lovely to hear about people and read stories from "The North". Welcome back.

Thanks Barrie.

Yes, I have heard of your uncle and i have been to several musical productions at the Bacup Empire. Like you say, Frank and my Dad must have known each other. My Dad was born in 1928 and lived in Edgeside until he was called up. How old was your uncle?

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Following that eulogy and your comments about your Dad over the last few years I felt like I knew him. Sorry to hear about your loss 59er, but it seemed like he lived on happily to the end.

Rest in peace old timer and may God hold you gently in the palm of His hand.