Tom Duckworth

On Saturday 13^th August 2022, Tom aged 82, peacefully fell asleep at Blackburn Hospital, surrounded by family. Formerly from Accrington and Brierfield. Tom was very much loved by his wife Vena Duckworth. He was a great Dad to his two children Kelsey & Clare. He was also a fantastic grandad to Jessica, William & Sammy. Tom is going to be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Tom attended Accrington Royal Grammar School and then joined the RAF. Tom spent 12 years serving in the Royal Air force, which included serving abroad. The final tour of duty being at RAF College Cranwell as Senior NCO. Tom then settled in Brierfield and for the rest of his working life he was Works Manager at Asquith Electrics in Colne.

Toms passion was swimming and water polo. He was captain of the Royal Air Force Water Polo Teams for a number of years at several different bases, home & abroad. Tom also represented the Combined Services & Polo Team. His passion continued after he had left the RAF. Joining and ultimately becoming the captain of Burnley Water Polo Club. Tom also taught countless numbers of people to swim whilst at the club and still found time to travel the UK competing in Master Swimming events. Time was also found to represent Burnley’s interests at the Executive Committee North Lancashire Swimming & Water Polo Association. His polo days did taper off at the end, but even at the age of 68 he managed to score a few goals, his swimming continued, with his swim buddies at Crowwood Leisure.

Tom has asked that you “come as you are” to the funeral, no black (but if you insist, its ok)

Family flowers only please, Donations should you wish to do so in Toms memory will go to Pendleside Hospice via the donate button below

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

 

Julie Perry

I only knew Tom in recent years. Such a lovely, gentle man. I will miss you Tom. RIP

Ben & Lois Robertson

Tom will be fondly remembered by many. He was a very well respected captain of Burnley Water Polo team, not only keeping his team focused but organising many social events too! When I came to Burnley in 1975, not knowing anyone, Tom and his team welcomed me and I gained many lifelong friends. I will remember Tom with love and he will be sorely missed. Sending love to you all. Xx

John Andrea James Jodie Amie and family

t has been an absolute honour to have known you Tom. Thank you for all the wonderful memories of our swimming and waterpolo days and for your loyal support throughout. Many happy memories!! You will be missed. Rest in Peace

Andy, Toni and Tessa

Tom is an inspiration to all who knew him. Always had a smile on his face, conversation and joke ready to share.

Mick Harkness

It was a pleasure knowing you for the last 20 years. Thank you for welcoming me into the family and making me feel at home. I am going to miss you, even though you wanted to go home as soon as you had arrived.

Gary, Mel, Kevin, Vicky & Lee

Message for the family of Tom Duckworth Such a true gentleman, dedicated to his family and his love for swimming and Water Polo:. An inspiration to us all. Tom will be sadly missed by so many people. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.

 

Mick Harkness

It was a pleasure and an honour knowing you for the last 20+ years. You made me a part of the family & I was always welcome. You were ready to leave, just after arriving. You are going to be greatly missed.

 

William Harkness

You were the best grandad I could have ever asked for. You were the kindest of people and had a heart of gold. I have so many memories and great laughs that I will cherish forever . You will be missed but I will always have you looking over me, protecting me and warding off danger that I may find myself in. I’d do anything to spend another day with you Tom, I love you, rest easy bud :

Mick Harkness

It was an honour being part of your life for the last 20+ years. Thank you and you are going to be missed by so many

 

Cath Benson

Tom was a lovley man and a great swim buddie. RIP Tom xx

 

Jessica

Thankyou for being the best grandad, I love you so much and miss you every day xxxxx

 

Mavis and Roger Hancock

To our dear friend Vena and family. It has been a privilege to be considered your friend all these years. Tom has been your rock as you have been his. We have laughed and cried together over the years and will do so again in the future. Deepest Sympathy from all our family.

André, Helen,Dominic and Elliott

It was an honour to have met and played polo with him. He was such a kind and friendly person so sorry for your loss. Best regards André.

Avril Duckworth

Thank you for being my second dad to me , the laughter fun and banter we had x Will miss you so much ????