John Bradley

On 28th April 2026, John peacefully passed away at his home in Altham, aged 81 years. Dear husband of Sue, much loved dad of John Peter, Jennifer, Hannah and Emily. Dear father in law of Katy, Mehdi and George, loving grandad of Jack and George, dear brother of Frank and sister in law Lynn, also a dear uncle of Alan, Caroline, Emma and Thomas.

John was a devoted dairy farmer for most of his life. More than just a job, it was his passion and his purpose. The farm was at the very heart of everything he did, and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. When John married Sue, his commitment to the farm was clear from the very beginning. They didn’t take a honeymoon, as John simply couldn’t bear to be away from his animals. They were married at 2:30pm, and by 5:30pm that very same day, John was back home milking his cows. John had a deep care for all his animals and took great pride in tending to his cows and sheep, regularly patrolling the fields to make sure everything was as it should be. During lambing season he would rush out at any hour, determined to be first to help a ewe birth her lambs.

John never retired officially and in his later years, his animals included goats, peacocks, and his treasured ducks. John’s evening routine of putting the ducks to bed became something of a ritual which always raised a smile, taking so long that the family would often joke he must be telling them bedtime stories. Ever resourceful, John would trade the duck eggs for a bacon and ketchup teacake at the local butty van. He was a familiar and friendly face on his milk round as a young man, delivering to Altham, Clayton, and parts of Accrington. Throughout his life he loved all music, seeing legends such as The Beatles and Cliff Richard and went to see Shania Twain at Lytham Festival, where he could easily be spotted in his wheelchair, wearing his cowboy hat that he wasn’t too impressed with. He also played Radio Lancashire constantly.

John and Sue enjoyed playing darts together when they were younger, travelling to various venues with their team. They also played pool, and John was never one to miss watching the wrestling on TV. Gardening was another passion and John spent many happy times in his garden always looked forward to seeing the daffodils and bluebells flowering.

John was a man who loved his routine and found deep contentment with his family, surrounded by his animals on the farm. He knew his own mind and wasn’t fond of change, but that steadfastness was part of what made him who he was, a lovely man rooted in tradition, loyalty, and dedication, and, of course, for never being far away when there were cows to milk or ducks to tuck in.

John will be remembered for his kindness, his work ethic, his humour, and his unwavering love for the farm and all who shared it with him.

Donations are being gratefully received in memory of John for St James Church, Altham