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William Matthews, fondly known to family and friends as Bill, and of Holly Bank, Accrington, died peacefully in Springhill Care Home on Monday 13th October 2025, aged 85 years.
During his life he worked for several years in the Post Office at Accrington before moving to BT in Blackburn and Manchester. Then before taking his retirement Bill was a management trainer for BT and travelled all around the country – a job he really enjoyed.
In his spare time Bill was Chairman of the Baxenden Forum for over twenty years and was instrumental in reinstating the rose garden in Haworth Park along with Sheila McVan. He also worked with Prospects in Accrington during this time. Bill was also a life-long member of the Liberal / Liberal Democrat party and on several occasions took candidates under his wing acting as their agent in both local and parliamentary elections. He was also a governor at Rhyddings High School for many years, having been a parent governor at his daughter’s primary and secondary schools before that.
Bill also had many hobbies which included being an avid reader, especially the Guardian as well as being a sports enthusiast, particularly loving the cricket which he watched on both TV and at Old Trafford. He also followed family tradition in supporting Glamorgan, celebrating his proud Welsh heritage and spent several years as an umpire in the Ribblesdale League.
After taking his retirement, he and his wife Pat travelled extensively, enjoying some fantastic holidays visiting many places around the world. He also loved music and the theatre and went regularly to the Bridgewater Hall and the Royal Exchange in Manchester.
He was a great family man and loved nothing more than spending time with his wife and daughters and their families. He was an enthusiastic grandad who enjoyed living up to the name of “Silly Grandad”.
Bill will be very sadly missed, especially by his dearly loved wife of nearly 60 years Patricia (Pat), his children Sarah and Nicola and their husbands Mike and Tony, his treasured granddaughters Aoife, Ruby, Niamh and Orla. Also, a dear brother of the late Nicholas, a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews, a loved and respected brother-in-law and friend to many.
In accordance to Bill’s wishes, a traditional funeral will not take place but a celebration of his life will be held at a later date when charity details will be shared.
Further enquires to Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542.