BrianMARSHALLof Nuttal Farm, Edgeside, passed away on March 31 at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital after a short illness. He was aged 89, just two weeks short of his 90th birthday. He was born in April 1935 on his beloved Nuttal Farm where he lived most of life continuing his family farming heritage. His wife of 50 years Betty sadly passed away in 2011. As a boy he helped his family deliver milk on Edgeside estate from a horse and cart. He attended St Anne’s CE Primary School and Whitewell Bottom Secondary School before working for a while on a local farm in Stacksteads then joining the RAF for three years in the late fifties as a motor transport mechanic at RAF Lichfield. After this he worked at Seville’s Bakery in Waterfoot as a driver until its closure and then drove for the local building company AH King which became Roland Whatmore Ltd. He retired in 2001 to concentrate on his small herd of lifestock and later livery. He was an avid reader with a large collection of books, particularly historical biographies, theology and cricket. He took a keen interest in political affairs often writing to various members of parliament on a wide range of issues over many years. He followed cricket and football, particularly Wolverhampton Wanderers due to his RAF years. He kept a daily weather diary going back to 1964. His grandchildren brought him much joy and he was partial to playing Subbuteo with his grandsons. He enjoyed UK holidays with his late wife Betty but since her passing was content to stay in Rossendale. His joy was driving his vintage tractor up the fields. He was a member and part of the congregation of Lumb Baptist Church from 1963 until recently. He had been baptised there in 1963 a few years after marrying Betty. He leaves his daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law Ian, grandchildren Martin, Josh and Harriet, partners Shannen and Ellie and great granddaughter Imogen as well as cousins Mary and Jean. Brian will be greatly missed by his family and people who knew him. The family are grateful to Blackburn Hospital for the compassionate care he received of which he himself was very appreciative. His funeral will take place on Tuesday, April 15 at 12pm at Lumb Baptist Church conducted by the Rev Steve Ansell before burial in the upper graveyard. Donations if wished will be for The Guidedogs for the Blind Association. Funeral director Dawn Winfield for Fred Hamer, Rawtenstall.
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