Obituary

Arthur passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday 26 April. His health and mobility had reduced over the last 2 years although he managed to live happily at home with his wife, Elizabeth up until the final 3 days when he was cared for in Springhill Hospice.

Arthur was born and brought up in Rochdale, the son of Jim and Edith. His sister, Olive was a teacher and sadly passed away aged 32 in 1958. Arthur studied Physical Education at Loughborough and then undertook teacher training. His first job was at Bury Grammar School (BGS) starting in 1954 and he didn't leave until his retirement, 35 years later in 1989. The final 10 years of his time at Bury were spent as Head of the Junior School where he taught a range of subjects. In 2009 Arthur’s Loughborough Diploma was extended to an Honorary University Degree of which he was extremely proud.

In 1956 Arthur married Elizabeth Rowe; their son William was born in 1958 and daughter Louise in 1961. Family life was a high priority for Arthur, and he was extremely supportive of endeavours in swimming, tennis, walking, fishing, music, churchgoing and staying in touch with the wider family in the UK and beyond. With relatives in the USA and Australia there were frequent visitors and tours arranged to Scotland, the Lake District, North Wales and our major northern cities. William and Louise also married and between them produced four grandsons Rupert, Oliver, Edwin and Harrison. Rupert also has a one-year-old son who met Arthur twice, most recently at the Hospice. These grandchildren gave Arthur enormous pleasure over the years and he will be remembered dearly for his kindness and generosity of spirit.

Teaching at BGS gave Arthur great satisfaction and he had a particular style which included discipline when warranted as well as good humour and wit. He did not take himself too seriously and the pupils seemed to appreciate the finely balanced judgement required to achieve this. Having learned to play the violin as a boy he continued to play in the Bury Orchestra who used the Main School Hall for rehearsals.

In the latter part of his time teaching and during retirement, Arthur took some exotic holidays including visits to Hong Kong, China, Australia, California, Colorado and a whole collection of European destinations. Travel, new experiences and cultures were a constant source of interest and enjoyment. Also, during this period Arthur took up painting and at one time was an active member of three local orchestras: Manchester Beethoven Orchestra, Concordia String Orchestra and the Ramsbottom Orchestra and Choral Society.

Arthur lived to the age of almost 96 and many cards and tributes refer to a true gentleman and a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by Elizabeth, the wider family, friends, BGS Old Boys and all who knew him.

The photograph featured shows Arthur at his daily pastime of the crossword.

The funeral service will take place at 11.30am on 30 May 2024 at St George’s Church, Bury Road, Oakenrod Hill, Rochdale OL11 4EB. Refreshments in the Church Hall will follow.

Donations to Springhill Hospice would be greatly appreciated.