George Thomas

On 28th September 2023 George passed away peacefully at Blackburn Infirmary with his family by his side. 

Dearly beloved father of Debra and Peter, much loved grandad of Chelsea and Elliot and loving father-in-law to John and Gaynor, and a much-loved brother and friend to many. 

George enjoyed a full and happy life, his early working life was as a tanner in a leather mill before he moved from Magdala Street in Heywood with his wife, Brenda, to Hopwood where his next career move was as an Insurance Salesman. 

Giving up the life of a salesman, George and Brenda took on the role of landlord at The Dressers Arms in Heywood where he was a friendly and welcoming host becoming an active member of the darts team and the pool team. 

From there, he was landlord of a further two pubs, The Plough in Oswaldtwistle and finally The Pendle Witch at Sabden. 

It was here that he lost his wife Brenda at an early age, and he decided that the publican life was no longer for him. He later met and married Peggy and started to enjoy the retirement that he had worked so hard for in all the previous years, enjoying time on holiday and spending time with his family, especially at Christmas. 

George moved to Rishton where he soon became a well liked and respected friend to his neighbours, he became a regular at his local Church, St Peter with St Paul, and joined a local bowling club, a sport that he loved. He soon became a very popular member of the bowling team, and once he’d learnt how to make egg custard, he became even more popular, the other team members often asking him to make one for them and at one time he was even selling them to raise money for the bowling club. 

George loved his sport, he was a lifelong Manchester United supporter, he was an active member of North Manchester Golf Club for many years, and as well as being a very good bowler he loved to watch Cricket and more recently Formula 1, probably because of his daughter Debra’s passion for the sport. 

George will always be remembered fondly for his kindness and his friendly and helpful nature. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him or have known him. 

Family flowers only please, donations in memory of George are being gratefully received on behalf of R.S.P.C.A and Macmillan Cancer Support via the donate button below.