FORMER Hyndburn councillor Mr Basil Whitham has died at his home in Edgar Street, Huncoat, aged 78.
Mr Whitham served as a Labour member of the council from 1976 to 1988 and he was elected an honorary alderman of the borough in May 2005.
He worked as a boiler operator at Huncoat Power Station for over 33 years until his retirement in 1985.
He was instrumental in setting up an office in Hyndburn for the Transport and General Workers’ Union and served as a delegate of the union at national level.
Mr Whitham had done his national service in Malaya with the Far East Forces from 1947 to 1949.
A former treasurer of the Royal British Legion, he was chairman of the Friends of Blackamoor Special School in Blackburn, raising funds for disabled children and taking them on trips such as swimming.
He was an active member of Accrington Camera Club for over 20 years, winning many awards for his photography.
Other societies of which he was a member included the Manchester Chemnitz Society, the St Peter-sburg Friendly Society and the Friends of Bocholt.
He was widely travelled and made many friends both at home and abroad.
Mr Whitham was known among family and friends for his sense of humour and ability to tell a joke on any subject. He always loved to leave his audience laughing.
A generous man, he was extremely popular and did more for others than for himself.
He leaves his wife May, sons Neville and Derek, daughter-in-law Alison and granddaughter Amy.
Father Lawrence Carson-Featham will conduct a funeral service at St James’ Church, Accrington, today followed by burial at Church and Clayton-le-Moors Cemetery.
Arrangements: L Champ.
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