TRIBUTES have been paid to former Mayor of Blackburn John Williams, who died on February 28 at the age of 88.
John was the beloved husband of Sheila, a much-loved father to Megan, a dear father-in-law to Laura and a devoted grandad to Bobby. He was also a brother-in-law to Clive and Maureen Knowles and an uncle to Cheryl, Christine and Emma.
Born and raised in Blackburn, John began his career as a chiropodist, before turning to teaching.
He taught at St Francis Primary School in Blackburn before taking a job as deputy headteacher at Coupe Green Primary School. In the eighties, he became the headteacher of Hoddlesden St Paul’s C of E Primary School.
As a youngster, John was a gifted sprinter, high jumper and long jumper. He was an active member of the Blackburn Harriers for years, and was was known to still occasionally compete in his fifties.
He was a lifelong Blackburn Rovers fan, and was also very involved with St George’s Church in Blackburn from a young age.
Believing passionately in helping local people, John became a local councillor representing West Rural ward in 1990. He later represented Livesey with Pleasington, and served as a councillor for more than 20 years in total.
“He liked helping people with local issues,” said John’s daughter Megan Russell-Williams. “He said people needed to be heard.”
John was Mayor of Blackburn in 2001-2002, during which time he established the Blackburn and East Lancashire branch of the Royal Society of St George.
One of his favourite memories from that time was being given the honour of travelling to Cardiff for the 2002 Football League Cup Final, to witness his beloved team beat Tottenham Hotspur at the Millennium Stadium.
He was also mayoral consort to his wife Sheila in 2010-2011.
John was a supportive and caring father, and a doting grandad who loved nothing more than playing with his grandson on his bike. Megan paid tribute to him, saying: “He will be greatly missed by everybody.”
John’s family would like to thank everyone for the support they have received.
