EricLYNCHMr Eric Lynch passed away peacefully on Friday, June 24, aged 92. When interviewed by his granddaughter Esmée in early 2020, he spoke about his life journey, as he lived it: his significant lessons, joys, betrayals and his main life regrets, putting his work before his children. Eric was born in Green Haworth to the late Maude and Ernest Lynch. His mother was a grocer/florist, his father a musician. At age five his father died unexpectedly, and Eric’s homelife was abruptly disturbed as he was sent to Stokesley, North Yorkshire, to live with his maternal uncle and aunt. At age nine, Eric was called to return, as he was needed to help out with his mother’s business in Greengate, Manchester. Over the years Eric told many stories laced with the social satire of his experiences in Greengate. Growing up during the war shaped Eric’s life. His environment suffered bomb damage, and he shared with Esmée his experience of lost friends. Eric, with siblings Reg and Fred, helped out with Maude’s business. He particularly disliked the delivery of funeral flowers, where in those days the deceased were laid out in the front parlour. In later years Eric’s family returned to live in Green Haworth, and Eric completed school. Maude set up with a placement at Howard and Bullough’s for Eric, but he had other ideas, and found his own apprenticeship with Holland’s Baxenden, where he was trained on Bedford Commercial Vehicles - working there for seven years. Eric was called late for national service. On return he was directed by his mother to enter into business with his older brother Reg, a panel beater with a young family to support. Lynch Brothers was born. Business opened initially in the yard of his mother’s village shop, later moving to a larger site on Willows Lane. Eric married his late wife Betty in 1960. Lynch Brothers was formed, founded on Eric’s trade skills. Eric was sociable and a motivated negotiator; he established strong links within dealerships for Rootes/Chrysler and Peugeot. His PR work led to securing vehicle maintenance contracts from prestigious companies: Silent Night, Express Dairies, Norweb, Dales Dairies, Higham’s, and Milk Marketing Board. Many of these companies stayed loyal to Eric and worked with him until his retirement. Eric’s brother Reg died in 1978, offering Eric an opportunity of freedom; he moved his family to live in Great Harwood and later set up independently, buying the site of Cordingley & Sons, Haslingden. Eric’s family moved to live in Hollins Lane. He ran this business with his wife Betty; these were happy times for them both until retirement. They then had time to travel and kick back, spending warm winter months in the Mediterranean, relaxing, sightseeing and enjoying their time together, also visiting their children frequently in London and North Wales. In his later years, Eric loved to spend time with his family, enjoying good food and wine. He enjoyed dry humour, meals out and garden picnics in the summer. He continually encouraged Esmée’s musical skills and study, right to the end. Eric leaves his daughter Tricia, son Ged, and Esmée, his cherished grandchild. The family would like to thank Jean Stoiles (formerly) of Cross Roads Care and staff for supporting Eric’s wilful desire to remain forever independent, and Gemma Birch and staff at Church View for their kindness and gentleness at the end. Eric will be cremated. At a later date there will be an interment of ashes and celebration of life. If of interest, please contact Sonia at Hyndburn Funeral Service, and leave your contact details. Funeral director: Hyndburn Funeral Services, Accrington.
Keep me informed of updates
