Councillor Tony Dobson

Tony Dobson of Oswaldtwistle, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Tuesday 31st March 2020, aged 53 years.

Even in his early years at school Tony had a head for business, as he would sell items he had bought from Argos, by adding a couple of quid on to sell to his school friends back in the day. He also had a stall on the market selling tinned fruit, records and other bits and pieces. He then worked as a DJ at Shifters Nightclub where he soon become a familiar face around the town, he then went to DJ at the Arcade Bar before starting his own business career and built a business empire to be proud of.

Being the helpful and resourceful guy that he was, he got into local politics by standing as a Conservative Councillor in the Barnfield Ward. He soon earned the respect of voters and duly got elected and held this seat up until the present day. He has also served as a committed Deputy Leader and was honoured to become the Mayor of Hyndburn in 2007. He was a dedicated member of the local Tory party, and was a great mentor, who worked tirelessly. His efforts paid off as in recent years he was voted in as the group leader for the Hyndburn Conservative Party, to become Leader of the Opposition.

Tony constantly gave up his time to try and create what he thought to be positive changes across all areas of Hyndburn, some of these included the Management of the Hyndburn Voluntary & Community Resource Centre and Accrington Stanley Community Trust, he was also on the board of Hyndburn Homes (Onward) and the Contour Housing Association. Despite the rousing politics Tony never had a bad word to say about anyone, and just had the people of Hyndburn at heart.

Tony was also a great supporter of many local charities and voluntary & community groups, often working and helping behind the scenes, by simply acquiring and donating auction and raffle prizes for them all. He has also helped many people along the way business wise too.

Another passion of Tony’s was golf and he enjoyed playing on the greens of many local Hyndburn Golf Clubs, especially Baxenden. He also enjoyed going away on holiday with the lads – which was also usually to play golf, with Spain and Dubai being some of his favourite places.

Tony was also a proud family man, and loved spending time with them, often taking the boys out for trips here and there, as well as catching up with Trish over a brew, most days.

He sadly leaves behind his much loved wife Trish, his treasured sons Matthew and Daniel, his dear dad Arthur and half sister Marilyn, his cousin Colin, his mother in law Barbara and father in law David.

Tony will be very sadly missed by all his loving family, friends, council colleagues, the Conservative Party, his business colleagues and everyone who knew him.

A private funeral service will be held for immediate family only, with a memorial service to be held later in the year. A Facebook video will be available to view on the Barton & Hallworth Facebook page from 11.00am on Friday 17th April 2020.

No flowers please, however donations may be made in memory of Tony to the HyndburnCovid-19 Project to help provide vital items for distribution via the Hyndburn Hub/Foodbank, find the link online at www.gofundme.com/hyndburncovid-19 page, donations are also being accepted by phone or by post c/o Paul Barton of Barton & Hallworth Funeral Service, The Old Foxhill, 136-8 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DR. Tel: 01254 390542.