AN East Lancashire solicitor has passed away suddenly at his home.

Nigel Holden, 68, ran the solicitors Nigel Holden and Company based in Blackburn and Barrowford, which shut in September last year following his retirement.

Mr Holden was married to Sue, father to Rosie, Matthew and Andy, grandad to Jasmine, Cerys, Max and Dylan and father-in-law to Paul and Yvonne.

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During his childhood, Mr Holden attended Intack Primary School in Whitebirk Road, Blackburn before going on to study at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School.

Mrs Holden, who had known Nigel since she was five-years-old, said that from a very young age she knew he was destined for great things.

She said: “Even just his walk as a child, he was swinging his arm and looked like he was on a mission.

“He was always a total extrovert and larger than life.

“We always knew that he was an intelligent guy.

“He was always coming top of the class when I was with him at school.

“He was conscientious and loved to help people.

“He was also an extremely funny guy who was a great friend to a lot of people in Lancashire. What constantly stuck in my mind about Nigel though was the way that he cared for his family and his love of the countryside .”

Before running his own firm, Mr Holden was a partner at Farleys solicitors in Blackburn and Antonia Love, another partner at the firm, sent her condolences.

She said: “Nigel was an extremely well respected solicitor who made a very valuable contribution to Farleys .”

David Acklam, of AcklamBond Solicitors, often worked alongside Mr Holden, and always had the utmost respect for him.

He said: “I’ve known Nigel a long time and he was always careful and straightforward in his work. He acted in a professional manner and was always pleasant.”

A service will take place at Jack’s Lounge, Ewood Park tomorrow at 1.45pm. Family flowers only and donations to British Heart Foundation and Rainbow Trust.