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William Mitchell

18/ 8/2008

A MEMBER of the original Rawtenstall Sports’ Council, Mr William Mitchell, of Ashlands Nursing Home, Turnpike, Newchurch, died at home, aged 84.

He was formerly of Burnley Road, Scoutbottom, and attended Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School where he represented the school at cricket.

Mr Mitchell worked at Newchurch Boot Company in the vett room from leaving school until it closed in 1989; three months before his retirement.

From 1941-45 he served in the Royal Navy and was on landing craft in the Mediterranean, Sicily, Malta, Italy and Gibraltar.

Mr Mitchell was a member of the Royal British Legion and was keen on amateur sport, was a member of the original Round the Hills Walk and was founder of the football team at the Boar’s Head, Newchurch.

He was a member of Waterfoot Conservative Club where he played snooker and won many trophies and was connected with Salem Church, Shawclough Road, until its closure.

He always encouraged and watched his children and grandchildren with any sport.

Husband of the late Annie, who died in 1993, he leaves his daughters Joan and Margaret, sons Kenneth, John and Wayne, their partners Charlie, Len, Tricia, Denise and Pam, 14 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sisters Betty, Jean and Margaret, brother Peter, sister-in-law Jean and brother-in-law Keith.

His funeral is on Tuesday 19 August when Rev Sue Davies will conduct a service at St Nicholas CE Church, Newchurch, at 2pm before interment in the churchyard at 2.30pm. Flowers are welcome or donation to Ashlands Nursing Home.

Funeral director: Martin Edmondson for Fred Hamer Funeral Service, Rawtenstall.