George William DudleyBRAYSFORDIt is with deep sadness and regret that the treasured family of Bill Braysford announce his passing at his home in Great Harwood on Tuesday, November 14, aged 74. Son of the late William and Mary, Bill leaves his mainstay and dedicated wife of 55 years, Joan, devoted sons Billy and Andrew, treasured daughters in law Maxine and Joy, much loved grandchildren and their partners, Jimmy and Neola, Jonathon and Emma, Chris and Paige, Fern and Shaun, Callam, Caitlin and Oliver and Archie and Jasmine. He was a proud great grandad to Abigail, Leland, Niko, Ethan, Melina, Emily. Albert, Amber, Pixie and Marshall. Bill was also a cherished brother to the late Clive, the late Diane, the late Bob, Maggie, Charlie, Kevin, Ian and a much loved and respected uncle to many. It cannot be underestimated the impact that Bill had on all their lives. Bill attended St Paul’s Primary School and later Rhyddings in Oswaldtwistle and spent periods of employment with the family coal business, was a retained fire fighter and a drayman at Thwaites. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife Joan at a party and together they took on the world. Bill was also a driver for Magnet Pet Foods before moving to Printwaste, but, ever business minded, Bill along with Joan and their sons set up Rishton Waste Paper in the town and with hard work and determination from them all, they built the business which continues to go from strength to strength. Bill was a larger than life character and well known in the pubs and clubs around the area but he was most likely to be found on a beach somewhere in the world and he always managed to find an Irish bar and a pint of John Smiths. He and Joan owned a static caravan on Marton Mere in Blackpool from 1991 – 2004 and an apartment in Spain for 10 happy years. Bill and Joan made many friends around the world which is testament to their partnership and convivial company. A keen football fan, Bill attended Blackburn Rovers and later Accrington Stanley matches, he was an impressive dancer and he loved to keep up with the latest books, watched endless repeats of his favourite programmes and enjoy a good Chinese takeaway. But the thing that made Bill proudest and happiest was time with his family with countless parties and barbecues where he held court making everyone laugh and cringe at the same time with his often withering put downs and direct manner of speech. Bill truly had a life well lived and was a man well loved. ‘If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever’.
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