Obituary: Brian Holden

Brian Holden

Brian Holden died at home on 25 September 2018.

Brian was an active member of Spotland Methodist Church for several years, having originally attended Mitchell St Methodist and he played the organ at both these chapels.

He taught classics for a time at Rochdale Boys Grammar School and was a founder member of the Rochdale Canal Society, giving hundreds of talks all over the North West. His narrow boat, the Tim Bobbin, is at present moored in Hebden Bridge.

In 2014 there was a reunion of Rochdale Boys Grammar class of 1954, who invited Brian to be guest of honour. Subsequently a number of more local ‘old boys’ have had regular lunches which Brian always attended.

For the past few years, Brian had acted as an unofficial ‘caretaker’ for Spotland Chapel and gave a huge amount of time to opening and locking the premises after services, rehearsals, visits by various workmen, children’s parties and the Lancashire wood carvers.

Brian found the time to speak to everyone, young or old and gave freely of his time and experience.

He was always around and was known for his ready wit, his fund of stories and knowledge of local history.

Those who knew him have described him as a ‘popular man, much loved and respected, and very good company.’

Funeral to take place at Spotland Methodist Church, Tuesday 16 October at 11.45am, followed by a private committal at Rochdale Crematorium.

Family flowers only please, donations if desired to Spotland Methodist Church or Rochdale Canal Society c/o Bridgefold Funeral Service, Mill House, Mellor Street, Rochdale, 01706 639941.