Brian Midgley of Accrington and formerly of Oswaldtwistle, passed away peacefully at Springhill Care Home, on September 24.

The 78-year-old started his working life at Leavers.

He then worked for various companies including Thwaites in Blackburn as a motor mechanic, BAE Systems at Samlesbury as a fitter, then Moss Gears before moving to FPW Axles in Accrington where he worked until his decline in health forced early retirement.

In his youth he enjoyed playing the piano and had a great love of music.

He loved having breaks away in the caravan with the family, where lots of fun was had over the years.

He also took pleasure in walking and looking after the family dogs, Patch, Taz, Sally and Lola.

His big passion from a young age was his model railway and he loved going to exhibitions with his friend Pete to see other people’s works of art, get fresh ideas as well as sometimes pick up some new additions to add to his own layout.

Brian leaves his dearly loved wife of 57 years Margaret, his much loved daughter Janet and son in law Jim, his dear brother in law Tony and his wife Merl, his cousins Jean, Edna and her husband Peter and special friends Maureen, Shirley, Peter and Sue Goodall and many, many more.

He will be very sadly missed by all his family and friends.

The family would like to express their special thanks to the staff at Springhill Care Home in Accrington for the super care given to Brian and them as a family during his last month.

Brian’s wish for a private funeral service was respected and this was held earlier this week, but donations are still being gratefully received in his memory for the Accrington & District Blind Society, c/o Paul Barton at Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, 01254 390542.

If you would like to celebrate the life of a loved one, send your obituaries along with a photograph to robert.kelly@newsquest.co.uk