DavidTOWNSENDof Accrington and formerly of Arthur Street, Clayton-le-Moors, passed away suddenly but peacefully in hospital, surrounded by his loving family on December 27, aged 77 years. The dearly beloved husband of April, much-loved dad of Claire, Elizabeth, Leonie and Jade, dear father-in-law of Matt and Al, cherished grandad of Mia, Ruby, Harry, Robyn, Bobby and Tommy, much-loved twin of Betty and loved brother of Tom, Derek, Peter, Joan and the late Brian, Donald, John and Marie, also a much loved brother-in-law, uncle and good friend to many. As a youngster, David worked on farms for the Boothmans and Barnes before becoming a bin man. He became a well known character in Clayton-le-Moors and knew everyone on his bin round throughout Clayton and Accrington, and this is how he met his wife, April when in his 30s. They married and David loved becoming a dad to their four lovely daughters. David was prone to a spot of wheeling and dealing and was Clayton’s very own, home-grown Del Boy – creatively resourceful, he could put his hand on anything and loved to scour the charity and second hand shops. He was definitely a character who loved to be right and would argue that black was white. David lived his life with a passion, whether for his family, his deals or his precious Burnley Football Club, whom he had followed around the country. He loved dog racing and raced his own fine dogs and he loved a flutter and had enjoyed a couple of lucky wins. In his earlier years, David had been a talented cricketer and won several trophies. It was always a dream of his to go to the West Indies to watch the cricket but he was just too terrified to get on a plane. After retirement, David spent ten years helping his great friend Jogee in his second hand shop. It gave David a purpose and he loved spending time with Jogee. A loving family man, David always shared a special bond with his twin sister Betty. He doted on April and their daughters and was a proud dad and he adored his grandchildren. David will be missed by so many. A funeral service will be held at St Mary’s RC Church, Clayton-le-Moors on Tuesday, January 17 at 10.30am followed by interment in Dill Hall Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations are being gratefully received in memory of David on behalf of Diabetes UK – North West. To make a donation, please visit www. champfunerals.com/ obituaries or sent/handed to the funeral directors: Champ Funeral Services, Clayton-le-Moors BB5 5DY Tel: 01254 390731 E: info@champfunerals. com.
