John Michael Whitford

On 3rd January, 2024, John passed away suddenly at his home following a short illness, aged 74 years of Whalley. A much loved and dear friend to many.

John spent the majority of his working life in nursing at Brockhall and Calderstones, where he met his good friends Steve, Mick, Gino and others. John had a zest for life and was filled with enthusiasm for everything. He loved his sports and in his younger years, had a trial at Bury Football Club. A lover of all sports, John played football, cricket and snooker. He was also an avid golfer, enjoying the camaraderie of the 19th hole. He loved a flutter on the horses and football. One could often find John basking in the sunshine on the bench at Whalley roundabout, his love for the sun perfectly matching his sunny nature. It was in those moments, soaking up the rays, that he found peace and happiness. Laughter followed John everywhere and he was quick witted and so funny, delivering his one liners with lightning speed. Not to mention his practical jokes. John had a twinkle in his eye for the ladies and always wore his trademark aftershave – lots of it. He was a colourful character who liked everyone around him to be happy, and he was never stuck for something to say. John was the best kind of friend to have, with a huge heart and extremely generous nature. He always felt blessed living above CJ’s as Virginia often left him a plate of food at the bottom of the stairs. John will be remembered for his vibrant and upbeat personality and his great humour. A light has gone out in Whalley.

Please feel free to leave a message for John’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

Friend

Fly high

Former Whalley Worker

I often saw John around Whalley and he was always happy and smiling.He will be missed, especially by his close group of friends.

Andrea Holgate

John, Sunday afternoons, in The Dog, won’t be the same, you taking the mick out of Hank and Brian’s choice of music on the juke box. Thanks for all the papers over the years. You will be sadly missed by myself and many. The sun will just shine a little less on that bench now you are not sat on it.  X

Philip Eddleston

I went to school with John where we established a firm friendship. Sport was always on our agenda and I remember going to Test Matches at Old Trafford with him and Blackburn Rover’s games. I think I also went with him to watch the Beatles at ABC theatre in Blackpool with other school friends. When we left school at 16 yrs sadly I lost contact with John so I was delighted to see him in the Dog at Whalley many years later, on one of my infrequent visits there.  He hadn’t changed one bit. I always looked out for him in the Dog and we would chat at the bar on many occasions and reminisce about those school days. I can’t believe that is never going to happen again. RIP John and thank you for being a friend.