Alan John Exton

On 7th June, 2023 ‘Fortified By The Rites Of Holy Mother Church’ peacefully with his loving family by his side, Alan, aged 71 years of Clayton-le- Moors, formerly of Great Harwood. The dearly beloved son of the late Dorothy and Jack, a cherished and much loved brother of Mark and Judith, loved brother in law of Karen and Karl, dearly loved and loving uncle of Kerry, Jonathan, Kirsty, Jessica and Jade. A loved great uncle, nephew, cousin, also a dear friend to many and a good neighbour.

Alan loved his work as a landscape gardener for Hyndburn Council, starting on Parks and then schools before working in the gardens at Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham until his retirement. In his youth, Alan played the guitar and the banjo.He had a great love of the outdoors and really was an action man. Always into fitness, he ran the London Marathon in 1988 in 3 hours, 6 minutes. He also ran in the New York Marathon, did fell running, cycling and had been a member of Clayton Harriers. Alan also enjoyed doing weights and was an avid walker and always looked forward to his Friday morning walks with Great Harwood Walking Group followed by a visit to Towngate Cafe. Alan enjoyed a variety of music and was an avid reader of history as well as a keen photographer. He loved coach holidays throughout England and Wales, appreciating the scenery. Alan was a much loved, special member of his family and was first to offer a hand with jobs and anything that needed tending to in the garden. He leaves a beautiful footprint in his family and will be so missed. May the angels wrap their wings around him and accompany his sleep. Recquiescat in Pace.

Donations are being gratefully received in memory of Alan, in lieu of flowers, on behalf of East Lancashire Hospice. To donate please click the blue donate button at the foot of this page.

Please feel free to leave a message for Alan’s online memorial book by completing the form below. [ninja_form id=5]

Judith Blackledge

Thank you to everyone who have sent cards, flowers and messages. Also thank you to those who attended Alan’s funeral yesterday. Sorry we didn’t get chance to speak to anyone at the Church. It was pouring down and we were extremely late for the crematorium. The Requiem mass was lovely and I am sure he would have been proud of that. We gave him a good send off and it was lovely to hear lots of stories about him. Also thank you for the donations to East Lancs Hospice in his memory. Thank you also to Father Elthelbert for the moving service at St Wulstans. A Special Thank You to Lianna and her team at Champs, they were all very respectful and sensitive whilst dealing with Alan and the funeral. RIP Alan till we meet again. Your sister Judith x

David & Ruth Holden

Alan will be sorely missed on our Friday morning walks. Sincere confolences to all the family

Suriya and Waqas

Sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Alan.

Anthony & Ann Taylor

Our thoughts are with all the family and with Alan, May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen

Lynda Marsh

God bless you all and may He bring you peace and comfort over the next few weeks. Only met Alan a few times but it was a privilege to have done so. God bless you Alan x

John & Alison McMinn

So sorry we can’t attend the funeral.. we will be thinking of you all & Alan next Tuesday. X

Iain McMinn

Great guy will miss our lengthy chats you were a massive part of our family. Me, Kirsty and the kids are going to miss you. Rest in peace Alan x

Chris & Rob Rothery

We knew Alan through the Friday walking group & he was a keen walker & always loved to chat. He will be sadly missed by us all.

Jacqueline

You know how sorry we are, love you. In our thoughts❤️

Peter and Jennifer Holden

We were very shocked and saddened to hear about Alan’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.

Stephen Morton

I had the pleasure of working with Alan from the Great Harwood depot of the school playing fields service. This was during the period between my leaving the Royal Navy in Dec 87 and becoming a Prison Officer in July 1988. A lovely, gentle man who was greatly regarded by all his colleagues. So sorry for your loss, my heartfelt codolences to all his family and friends, RIP Alan xxx

Tim OKane

Alan will be sadly missed as a fervent campaigner for local Labour candidates including myself over the decades. He would think nothing of delivering to a 400 house estate and then ask for another patch. I will miss him immensely

Olwen Sudders

Sorry to hear the sad news. I’m glad I was able to visit him. Susan and Grahame send their condolences. Sending love and prayers Olwen.

Rita Gilmartin

So sorry to hear about Alan who I have known for many years through volunteer work with the Credit Union and also St Mary’s church. I will miss our little chats. A lovely person who will be missed.

Bob and Theresa and family (NY)

Sharing in your sadness as we remember Alan with fondest memories. Wishing you peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of great sorrow. Love and prayers to you all.

Ian Cottam i.e Cotty

Sorry for your loss, I worked alongside Alan at LCC grounds maintenance for 29 years and always had Alan’s back at work, had a few nights out in great Harwood for a few pints sadly missed x to all your family.