Stephen Michael Haworth

Olwen and Claire are very sad to pass on the news that Stephen Michael Haworth passed away suddenly at home on 16 January, 2024 after a short illness. Stephen leaves behind Olwen, his wife of 45 years, daughter Claire and son-in-law Robert, and his beloved grandsons Tom and Sam.  Also, his elder brother Chris and wife Marcia and their family in Canada, with whom Stephen remained very close over the last 60 years or so, despite the 1000’s of miles separating them. 

Stephen was held in very high regard by all those whose paths he crossed – he was never anything less than immaculately turned out, and never anything other than a true gentleman, kind and generous to a fault. Born to Richard and Jessie Haworth in Weir, Stephen spent his childhood in Higher Cloughfold before returning to Weir as a teenager.  He attended Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, going on to Liverpool University to study for a degree in Librarianship. He spent many years working at Bolton Metropolitan College as a Tutor Librarian, and then worked for many years in the medical library for the University of Central Lancashire until his retirement. Stephen was very generous with his time – he was a dedicated volunteer for the Samaritans for 10 years and also for the Blackburn Soroptimists, where he organised (including setting the questions and hosting) very successful fund-raising quizzes.  After being diagnosed with Coeliac disease in the late 1990’s, Stephen became a passionate campaigner for wider awareness of the condition, and spent a lot of his time supporting those who had recently been diagnosed. He was the group leader of the East Lancashire Coeliac society, working with the other members of the group to raise money for the charity. He was always a lover of music, with very wide tastes ranging from classical to 60’s beat via jazz and pretty much everything in between.  He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of obscure old songs, and always seemed to be able to sing a song to fit any situation, although we often suspected that he made a lot of these up! He was also an avid lover of books and literature, both in his working life and as a pastime. Following the birth of his grandsons Stephen was the epitome of the devoted, doting Grandpa, spending as much time as possible with Tom and Sam despite them living on the “wrong” side of the Pennines… Stephen had been a keen photographer throughout his life, and was rarely to be seen on a walk or at an event without his camera bag over his shoulder. His interest in antiques was also a lifelong passion, and he was regularly to be found scouring local auctions and antique shops for bargain finds.  Good wine was another of his passions and he always made sure that there was an excellent selection of bottles on hand at home for any occasion. Throughout his life Stephen always had a great love for the countryside and country life, and was also very interested in local and family history. Stephen and Olwen resided in Salesbury from 2001, and Stephen relished village life, becoming a regular at the domino table at The Bonny Inn, also becoming a prominent member of the Parish Council and the Trustee and Chairman of Salesbury Memorial Hall.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Stephen’s memory to Cancer Research UK by clicking on the link below.

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

Keiran and Katrina

He was a lovely man who was always smiling it was a pleasure to know him.

Stephen and Bernie Desmond

Stephen was indeed a lovely gentleman, full of knowledge and always up for a chat over the garden gate. So sorry for your loss.Such a sad time for you all. You are in our thoughts.

Liz and Mike Cussans

We are saddened by the loss of a dear friend.

Andrew Orr

I only got to know Stephen later in life as Olwen’s ever reliable chauffeur and helpful assistant at library events, but I very much liked him and his devotion to Olwen was always plain to see.

Janet Pritchard

I met Stephen through the East Lancs Coeliac group.  What a friendly welcome person he was.

Tim, Kathryn, Emilia and Edward

Stephen was truly one of life’s good guys. Not only a totally devoted family man, but someone with such a passion and enthusiasm for a wide range of good causes, hobbies and interests. Stephen was a huge part of my childhood and party to many memorable adventures including holidaying in France (those crab fishing competitions were amazing!)  and Norfolk (Night time treasure hunts around the farm…) family memories were certainly made. Olwen, Claire, Rob, Tom and Sam, you are in our thoughts at this sad and difficult time- wishing you all strength and with all our Love Tim, Kathryn, Emilia and Edward xxx