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We sadly announce that William Riley of Fern Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, best known to many as Bill, passed away on Saturday 24th October, aged 83 years.
During his working life Bill was a plumber by trade, but joined the Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service, where he served for 33 years, retiring as the Divisional Commander of B Division, which covered the whole of East Lancashire, as well as serving as a magistrate for 13 years.
In his spare time and during his retirement Bill loved steam trains, as well as travelling with his wife Sandra. He also enjoyed sharing their many pets, including Katie, Ben and Sally their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bobby and Charlie their Bichon Frise brothers. He also enjoyed supporting Blackburn Rovers.
He sadly leaves behind his beloved wife Sandra, his much-loved son John, his adored grandson Ben and loving daughter-in-law Donna. Bill will be very sadly missed by all his loving family and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3.00pm, on Monday 9th November 2026, at Accrington Crematorium.
Family flowers only please, with donations in memory of Bill being gratefully received for either Alzheimer’s Research or the British Heart Foundation. Further enquiries please to Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136 – 8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542