ONE of Oswaldtwistle’s most popular former pub landlords has been laid to rest this week after having died peacefully just after Christmas at the age of 74.

Stuart Arnold MacFarlane, known as ‘Mac’, was best known to the community in Oswaldtwistle as a regular sight behind the bar at the Duckworth Hall Inn, on Duckworth Hall and as a loving husband to Rita, father to Julie, Michelle and Katrina and as a doting grandfather, brother, father-in-law and brother in law.

Mr MacFarlane ran the venue, affectionately referred to as ‘the Duck’ by regulars, alongside his beloved wife Rita for 14 years, and it was here that he met his best friend Ephram Clarke, who he would enjoy great times visiting Portugal with, even learning to pilot a microlight aircraft while on their trips.

Mr Clarke said: “In my life I had one true genuine friend, by best pal Stuart.

“We shared so many good times together, and he was always there during difficult days.

“I treasure his memory, was so lucky to have him as a friend, and I will never forget the true one and only Stuart.”

Both in and out of the Duck, Mr MacFarlane was known as the life and soul of the party, a caring family man and a pillar of his community.

When he was not working he was a groundsman at Church and Oswaldtwistle Cricket Club where he was dedicated to helping the club both as a member and volunteer.

Former neighbour Nicola McCumskay said: “My mum Christine and I were neighbours to Stuart and family at Blackburn Road.

“We will remember him as a good neighbour with a wonderful sense of humour.

“I always remember him smiling.”

Along with his trips to Portugal, travelling with Rita was another of Mr MacFarlane’s passions.

They would often travel alongside lifelong friends Bob and Anna, with Greece one of their favourite destinations.

Mr MacFarlane died on December 28, with family and friends bidding him a final farewell at a private family funeral service at Pleasington Crematorium on January 6.

Donations in his memory can be made to the charity Mind at: https://www.memorygiving.com/stuartarnoldmacfarlane.