On Friday 31st July 2026, Dave Bradbury, affectionately known as “Bradders”, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, aged 63.
Dave was the treasured husband and best friend of Andrea for more than 46 years; a devoted son to Dorothy, (who recently celebrated her 90th birthday); a much-loved father to Matthew and Ana; cousin to Rachel and Sarah, the beloved godson of Auntie Eileen (Dorothy’s schoolfriend); a cherished brother-in-law to Philip, Duncan and Melanie; a proud uncle to Meghann, Callum, Erin, Jacob, Samuel, Millie, and Daniel; godfather to Sophie and Thomas; and, in just three weeks’ time, was looking forward to becoming a grandfather to Matthew and Amy’s baby son.
Dave grew up in Knuzden and Rishton and at the age of 16, signed an indenture as an engineering apprentice at the Royal Ordnance Factory, (ROF)in Blackburn, where his godfather Frank worked, and he loved it. An exceptionally gifted engineer, he dedicated 39 years to ROF and later BAE Systems, working on explosives, Harrier and Tornado aircraft and latterly as Production Manager on the UK-US Joint Strike Fighter programme. He had graduated from the University of Warwick, taught engineering apprentices at Blackburn College, and was especially proud to hold a UK engineering patent.
A qualified skipper, Dave loved yacht sailing. He sailed around the Greek Islands on several occasions and enjoyed keeping his own boat on Rishton Reservoir and in the Lake District where he and Andrea had a static holiday home for 11 years. He built Matthew a wooden Optimist (“Oppie”) sailing boat from scratch, then went on to build four more so that other children at the club could learn to sail to. He also painstakingly restored a 1955 Series I Land Rover with Ana and was a proud member of the Land Rover Series One Club. Dave also volunteered on the committee of Pioneer ’79 Swimming Club, in Accrington, supporting Ana and her cousins through many years of county-level competitions, dealing with all the entries and where he became affectionately known as “Stato”, the statistics man.
Bell ringing has been one of Dave’s lifelong passions. Beginning at Rishton at the age of 15, he was the current Tower Captain at Whalley Parish Church, where he taught new ringers, maintained and helped restore the bells, and supported bell towers across East Lancs. He had recently returned to ringing at Rishton, helping Fr Eddie. His knowledge, patience and enthusiasm inspired others to take up the hobby he loved so dearly.
Above all, Dave will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to help anyone. Cheerful, humorous and endlessly practical, he touched the lives of so many people. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his lifelong friend and best man, Chris; the Knagg family; and their close-knit friendship group, the Rishton “Vikings”, together with their wives, affectionately known as the “Damsels”.
Dave’s funeral will take place at 11.00am on Friday 14th August 2026, at Whalley Parish Church, with the bells ringing from 10am. Please arrive early, listen to the bells and watch Dave arriving in style.
Parking on Church Lane is very limited, but additional space is available on The Sands, at Whalley Abbey, and a little further along at English Martyrs Church.
Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, will be gratefully received in aid of the Whalley Bell Ringers. It is hoped the funds raised will provide permanent equipment to train new bell ringers, Dave’s passion.
Account name: WHALLEY BELLRINGERS
Sort code: 20-09-72
Account no: 30932388
Please can you include Dave and your name as the reference.
