http://www.greghodgkinsonfunerals.co.uk/

Garstang Funeral Home, Castle View, Bridge Street, Garstang (2026)

13/01/2026

In Loving Memory of Brian Ward Taylor
21st December 1935 – 27th December 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Brian Ward Taylor share with Garstang the news of his peaceful passing on Saturday 27th December 2025, aged 90 years.

Brian was born in Preston in 1935 and spent his early years in Garstang, attending St Thomas’ Primary School before progressing to Lancaster Technical School and later the Harris Institute in Preston. He began his working life as an apprentice with English Electric, a company that later became BAE Systems. Through dedication and exceptional skill, Brian enjoyed a long and distinguished career, retiring in 1993 after reaching the position of Chief Designer for the Tornado aircraft.

In 1962, Brian married June Singleton. Together they shared a loving life and raised two children, David and Sandra. Brian was a devoted family man and leaves behind five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.

Following his retirement, Brian dedicated himself to the local community. He became a volunteer Ranger with Wyre Borough Council and later one of the founding members of the Garstang Millennium Green Trust, where he continued to volunteer for a further 25 years, giving generously of his time, knowledge and passion for the environment.

In recent years, Brian lived with mixed vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia and spent the last two years at Stanley Lodge Residential Home in Forton, where he was well cared for. He passed away after a short illness, just days after celebrating his 90th birthday surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Brian will be remembered for his intelligence, dedication, quiet strength, and lifelong commitment to both his family and his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Brian’s funeral service will be held at Carleton Crematorium, Poulton on Monday 19th January at 11.45am.

Should you wish to make a charitable donation in memory of Brian, they would be gratefully accepted to help support ‘Alzheimer’s Research UK’ and ‘Garstang Millennium Green Trust’ c/o the funeral director.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

02/01/2026

In Loving Memory of Margaret Jane Townley
1927 – 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Townley, late of Kirkham and formerly of Halton-on-Lune and Hill Top Farm, Nether Kellet. Margaret died peacefully in Royal Preston Hospital on Thursday 18th December 2025, aged 98 years.

Margaret was the beloved wife of the late Ronald Townley. She was a loving and very dear mum of Peter and mum-in–law of Ruth, a much-loved and cherished gran to Emma and Sarah and a treasured great gran, and a dearly loved aunt.

Margaret will be sadly missed and remembered with love by all her family and friends.

Her funeral service will take place at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Bolton-le-Sands on Friday 9th January 2026 at 11.00am, before being laid to rest at Halton Parish Cemetery, reunited with her beloved late husband, Ronald.

Family flowers only please. Donations can be given in memory of Margaret for ‘Cancer Research UK’ c/o funeral director.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

31/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Karen Anne Wood
1959 – 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Karen Anne Wood, who died peacefully at Royal Lancaster Infirmary on Tuesday 16th December 2025, aged 66 years.

Known fondly to many as ‘Karen from Billingtons’. Karen was a much loved and familiar presence, whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Karen was the beloved wife of Graham, a devoted and loving mother to Ella and Katie, and a proud and cherished nanna to Austin, Oliver and Charlie.

She will be deeply missed by her loving family, close friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at Beetham Hall Crematorium on Wednesday 7th January at 12.30pm. Following the service, the family extend a warm invitation to join them at The Bellflower for light refreshments, share stories, memories and continue celebrating Karen’s life.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired can be given in memory of Karen to help support the vital work of ‘North West Air Ambulance’ c/o funeral director.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

31/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Alan Stansfield
1938 - 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Alan announce his passing on Thursday 18th December, aged 87 years.

A dearly loved husband of Margery and a loving father of John and Mark. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place at The Parish Church of St. Hilda’s Bilsborrow on Tuesday 6th January at 12noon, before Alan is laid to rest in the Churchyard.

Family flowers only please. Donations if preferred can be given in Alan’s memory to support ‘Cancer Care Garstang’ c/o funeral director.

Alan’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Garstang Medical Practice for their care and support. Grateful thanks are also extended to the staff of the Urology Department at Royal Lancaster Infirmary for their care and attention over the past few years, and to all the staff at The Cornmill Nursing Home for the kindness and compassion shown to Alan during his short stay.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

30/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Philip Graham Boardman - ‘Phil’
1935 – 2025

It is with great sadness that the family announce the news that Phil died peacefully in The Cornmill Nursing Home on Tuesday 16th December 2025, aged 90 years old.

His funeral service and burial will take place around the graveside at The Parish Church of St. Thomas Garstang on Thursday 8th January at 11.30am.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired may be given in memory of Phil to help support the work of ‘Help4Heroes’ c/o funeral director.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

22/12/2025

As part of our latest Light a Candle campaign, we’ve shared virtual memorial candles to help honour loved ones around the Christmas period. Thank you to everyone who created a memorial candle.
Here are the remaining memorial candles that were submitted. Keep a look out for the next opportunity to Light a Candle.

21/12/2025

Thank you so much to everyone who has submitted a memorial candle so far.

Light a Candle will come to a close today (Sunday 21 December). Candles submitted before 5pm today will be shared on our page on Monday 22 of December.

https://gbnf.online/322607

18/12/2025

We’d like to thank everyone who’s created a virtual candle for their loved one so far.
If you’d like to submit a candle for a loved one, you can do so by clicking the link below.

https://gbnf.online/322607

18/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Richard Edward Shorrock, ‘Dick’
1931 – 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Dick announce his peaceful passing on Thursday 11th December, aged 94 years.

Dick was a loving husband of Jean and a much-loved brother, stepfather, grandad and great grandad.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Following a private cremation, a memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life will take place at The Parish Church of St. Thomas Garstang on Tuesday 23rd December at 1.45pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired can be given in memory of Dick to help support St. Thomas’ Church c/o funeral director.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

15/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, it’s common to think of the people who are special to us – especially those we've lost. That’s why we’ve chosen to take part in Light a Candle.

From 15 to 21 December we’ll be posting digital candles in memory of those who can’t be with us during the festive season. If you’d like to create a virtual candle, please click the following link where you can choose a design and write a short message to a loved one.

There's no cost for you or your family to get involved and create an online memorial.
We’ll share your candles on our page.
https://gbnf.online/322607

12/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Lindsay Williamson
11th August 1956 – 30th November 2025

Lindsay Williamson, aged 69, passed away on 30th November 2025 at the Royal Preston Hospital, surrounded by those he loved.

Born on 11th August 1956 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Lindsay was the devoted husband of Lynn Williamson and much-loved father of Tom Williamson.

Lindsay spent much of his working life as a printer, first with Burrall’s of Wisbech and later with Spiegl Press of Stamford. He went on to work as a handyman and driver for the Moulton Bulb Company, bringing to each role the same steady reliability and good-natured spirit he was known for.

A man of deep faith, Lindsay dedicated countless hours to the church. Having trained as a lay minister, he led worship at Spalding URC, Oakham Congregational, Forton URC, Garstang URC and many other congregations. He was cherished for his lively and engaging services, his creativity in worship and the gentle compassion he brought to his pastoral work.

Proud of his fenland roots, Lindsay held a lifelong fascination with the region’s heritage, folklore and wildlife. His curiosity and adventurous nature inspired him to write and publish several short books capturing his countryside explorations and the stories he loved to share. His enthusiasm even led to his own BBC television series, through which he brought the landscape and its tales to a wider audience.

To call Lindsay a football ‘fan’ hardly does justice to his passion for the sport. His support spanned numerous clubs, Wisbech Town, Boston United, Blackstones FC, Longridge Town, Clitheroe, Celtic and many more. If there was a match happening locally, whether on a Saturday, Tuesday, or the occasional Wednesday, Lindsay would be there, often offering the referee some spirited feedback.

Above all, Lindsay treasured his family. He married Lynn on 20th October 1984, and together they welcomed their son, Tom, on 22nd March 1992. Lindsay’s adventurous spirit made for unforgettable family days out exploring the British countryside and he nurtured Tom’s love of nature and history with pride. His quick wit, gift for storytelling and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A funeral service to celebrate Lindsay’s life will be held at Garstang United Reformed on Friday 19th December at 11.00am, followed with a private committal at Preston Crematorium.

To reflect Lindsay’s spirit and character, casual attire is encouraged.

Donations in Lindsay’s memory may be made to Rosemere Cancer Foundation c/o the funeral director.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

11/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Julia Margaret Beeden (nee Barker)
21st October 1943 – 20th November 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Julia, who died at Macclesfield District General Hospital whilst in the care of Belong Macclesfield on Thursday 20th November, aged 82 years.

A loving wife to her late husband Robert “Bob”. A much-loved sister to Chris, Mum to Helen & John, Mother-in-law to Cerian and Anthony and “Oma” to Aidan, Gwen & Isabel.

Julia was born and educated in the West Riding of Yorkshire before relocating to London for work and subsequent teacher training. She moved back up north to take on teaching roles in Bailey Girls Secondary School in Fleetwood and Ripley St Thomas School in Lancaster and it was during that time she met Bob, a History teacher living in Morecambe.

In 1969, they settled into their marital home on Garstang Road, Claughton-on-Brock which became the family home with the arrival of Helen and John in 1974 and 1977 respectively. They would regularly attend St Helen’s Church, Churchtown.

Alongside her teaching career, Julia was involved in both the Garstang Historical Society and the Pilling & District Historical Societies together with Bob and authored the “Over Wyre Historical Journal”.

She also re-engaged with Girl Guiding by becoming Assistant Leader at Bilsborrow Guides and subsequently Brown Owl & Guide Leader at Whitechapel Guides & Brownies.

With an interest in sailing passed down from her father, Julia also volunteered with the Scouts at Tower Wood, Windermere to aid the sailing tuition to a wide variety of young people.

In her later years, before the pandemic, Julia volunteered for the National Trust at Sizergh Castle, Kendal on Sundays and Tuesdays whilst attending Sunday services at St Thomas Church, Crosscrake.

Julia’s Funeral Service will held at St Helen’s Church, Churchtown on Tuesday 16th December at 11.30am before being laid to rest in the graveyard.

Following the committal at the graveside, a warm invitation is extended to join the family at Kirkland & Catterall Memorial Hall for refreshments, to share stories, memories and continue celebrating Julia’s life.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in memory of Julia to support the work of ‘Alzheimer’s Society’ or ‘Age UK Lancashire’ c/o funeral director.

All enquiries to:
Greg Hodgkinson Independent Funeral Director
Garstang Funeral Home
Bridge Street
Garstang
PR3 1YB
Tel: 01995 601 600

Garstang Funeral Home

13/01/2026

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