Popular Rossendale man found dead at home (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Popular Rossendale man found dead at home

11:40am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘loving and popular’ football enthusiast, who was found dead at home.

Marc Skillings, 33, was found lifeless in the lounge of his home by a colleague who had arrived to pick him up for work.

Mr Skillings was ‘extremely well known’ around Rossendale where he was often seen walking his beloved two-year-old dalmatian dog, Lady.

His family said his death was a major shock because he hadn’t been unwell. No cause of death has yet been established.

The former All Saints RC High School pupil worked as a cable jointer for Electricity North West.

Mr Skillings, of Turn Pike, Waterfoot, particularly enjoyed playing and watching football, and was a passionate supporter of Newcastle United.

During a long amateur football career he played as a defender for several teams in the area including Waterfoot, Airtex and the Rossendale Valley representative team.

As a teenager he was asked for trials at Manchester City after starring in a local tournament.

His heartbroken sister, Emma, 27, said that the suddenness of his passing had been a ‘shattering jolt’ and was ‘shocking and hard to cope with’.

She said: “I can’t believe I’ve lost my big brother, he was everything to his family and we’re all devastated.

“Marc had loads of friends, he was quiet and also sometimes cheeky, but always in an a loving and affectionate way. He was a very hard worker and enjoyed his job and enjoyed nothing more than socialising with his mates in the Red Lion, Cloughfold.”

Mr Skillings also leaves a brother, Steve, 31, parents William and Kim and niece Erin.

Electricity North West Lancashire area manager, Lee Maxwell also paid tribute.

He said: “Marc had nine years service with United Utilities and Electricity North West and he will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues here.

Mr Skilling’s funeral will take place at St James The Less Church, Burnley Road, Rawtenstall on Friday, September 14 at noon, followed by a celebration of his life at the Rose and Bowl, Stacksteads.

Emma added: “Everyone who knew Marc is welcome to attend, the dress code everything goes, and our family would like too see as many of his friends there as possible.”

Earlier this week, an inquest into Mr Skillings’ death was opened and adjourned.