JohnCOOKSONJohn passed away peacefully at his home with his wife Gillian and sons David and Andrew by his side on his 73rd birthday. John was born in Clayton-le-Moors and educated at All Saints Primary School and then Accrington Grammar School. He went on to study Microbiology at Wolverhampton Technology College and then undertook his Brewing Pupilage at Matthew Brown Brewery in Blackburn. He worked for many years at Matthew Brown, becoming Second Brewer, and then he joined Robinson’s Brewery in Stockport, becoming Packaging Director, before taking early retirement in 2003 and returning to live in Clayton-le-Moors. John had many interests including travel, cars, DIY, music, singing, gardening and watch clock repair. Travel brought much joy to his life. He spent many summer holidays in Levanto, Italy while in winter he enjoyed time in Alpbach, Austria with his beloved wife Gillian, often with his family joining them on these holidays. John was a member of All Saints Church Choir in his youth and his love of music remained with him all his life. He loved to sing and was the life and soul of every family party. John’s garden was a source of great pride and pleasure to him and in years later he was a member of the Clayton Hall Allotment Group, taking a plot as well as assisting with its running and operations. John will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. He leaves his wife Gillian, sons David and Andrew, and his four grandchildren Cameron, Elizabeth, George and James, all of whom he loved dearly. A celebration of John’s life will be held at All Saints Church, Clayton-le-Moors on Friday, September 17 at 2pm. Please feel you can wear something bright to honour John’s memory on the day. Family flowers only please; donations can be made in memory of John to Cancer Research UK c/o champfunerals.com/ obituaries. Funeral director: Champ Funeral Services, Clayton-le-Moors.
