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

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

19/02/2026

In loving memory of Thelma Vivienne Best
1932 – 2026 aged 93 yrs.

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Thelma Vivienne Best, after a short illness, on February 9th 2026 in the White House Care Home, Garstang, aged 93 years.

Thelma was known to many from her years working at St. Mary & Michael’s R.C. Primary School and following retirement, at Garstang Post Office.

She had also been an active member of St.Thomas’ Church. Always busy, she enjoyed swimming, gardening, fell walking and playing hockey for Garstang Ladies First XI, including time as Captain. She was also a member of Trefoil Guild. She was often to be found chatting to her many friends in Garstang.

Her funeral will be held at The Parish Church of St. Thomas Garstang on Tuesday 24th February at 11.00am before she is laid to rest in the Churchyard, reunited with her beloved late husband Terry.

Donations if desired can be made in Thelma’s memory to the ‘North West Air Ambulance’ and the ‘British Heart Foundation’ care of the funeral director.

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

09/02/2026

In Loving Memory of Chereth Constance Wilkins, “Cherry”
1941 – 2026

The family have asked us to announce and share the sad news that Chereth died peacefully at home on Friday 23rd January 2026, she was 84 years old.

She was known more lovingly to all her family and friends as Cherry. The beloved wife of Gerald, loving mum to Emma and Kelly, a cherished Grandma to Jordan, Holly, Faith and Jerri and a dear mother-in-law to Paul.

Cherry was the former Post Mistress of Nateby Post Office, and held the position of Lancaster Golf Club, ‘Lady Captain’ in 2002.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Her funeral service will take place at The Parish Church of St. Thomas Garstang on Thursday 12th February at 11.15am prior to committal at Lancaster & Morecambe Crematorium.

Following the service, light refreshments will be served at The Wheatsheaf where we can continue to remember Cherry, share stories and memories of a wonderful lady.

Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired can be made in memory of Cherry for St John’s Hospice care of the funeral director.

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

09/02/2026

In Loving Memory of David Horne
31st October 1946 – 27th January 2026

It is with much sadness that the family of David Horne share the news of his peaceful passing at home, with his family and friends around him, on Tuesday 27th January 2026. David was 79 years old.

A much-loved husband to Barbara and loving dad to Martyn and the late Daniel.

During his illness, David was looked after incredibly well by his wife Barbara and the local district nurses, who in the last few days were joined by members of the St. John’s Hospice at Home Team. One of them even said, “Oh I know David, he built my extension”.

Born and raised in Bury, David met and married Barbara in 1969. In 1975 the decided to move and set up home in Garstang. Going on to welcome two sons, Daniel and Martyn. They made many friends. David moved into the building trade, making many partnerships with ‘Manor Built’, ‘Horner & Bingham’ and latterly the ‘Horne Partnership’.

David became a member of the Rotary Club of Garstang & Over Wyre and enjoyed many social and charitable occasions. Proudly becoming President in 1989/1990. He could be seen many times manning the hot food stand at the Christmas Victorian Festival and more recently was Father Christmas on his sleigh around the area, calling for donations to the cause.

David will be remembered for his wit (lasting stream of jokes) and his generosity by all who knew him well.

David’s funeral service will take place at The Parish Church of St. Helen’s Churchtown on Friday 13th February at 11.00am, before being laid to rest in the Churchyard, reunited with his late son Daniel.

Flowers of donations if preferred can be given in David’s memory to help support the work of ‘St. John’s Hospice at Home Team’ care of the funeral director.

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

02/02/2026

In Loving Memory of David John Walmsley
1st April 1962 – 15th January 2026

It is with great sadness that we have been asked to announce the news that David died peacefully in Royal Preston Hospital on Thursday 15th January 2026, aged 63 years.

David was the dearly loved son of the late Millicent and Ken Walmsley. He was a loving brother to Janet and an adoring brother in law to Martin and dear uncle to Philippa, Marc and Aaron.

David lived most of his life in Garstang and then moved to Catterall to go into the care of ‘Shared Approach’. He loved nothing better than being out and about in the community and always bumped into somebody he knew or made a new friend.

He was dearly loved and will always be loved and remembered always by all his family and friends.

His funeral service and committal will take place at
Preston Crematorium on Wednesday 4th February at 12noon.

Following the service, refreshments will be served at the ‘Wyrebank’ where you are welcome to continue remembering David, sharing stories and memories.

Please note, if you cannot attend the crematorium, you are still very welcome to join family at the Wyrebank.

Family flowers only please. Donations if preferred can be given in memory of David for ‘The British Heart Foundation’ c/o funeral director.

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

27/01/2026

In Loving Memory of Beryl Mavis Harbin
14th May 1937-13th January 2026

With great sadness, we have been asked to announce and share the news that Beryl died peacefully in the care of Bowgreave Rise Residential Home on Tuesday 13th January 2026, aged 88 years.

Beryl was the beloved wife of Peter. A much loved and loving mother to Fiona and Heidi, a cherished and devoted nanna to Max, Lara and Alfie and a dear mother in law of Mark and Tony.

She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Beryl’s family would like to sincerely thank the dedicated and caring staff at Bowgreave Rise Residential Care Home for their support and genuine warmth throughout her time at the home.

Following a private cremation, a Memorial Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Beryl’s life will take place at The Parish Church of St. Thomas’ Garstang on Monday 2nd February at 1.00pm. After the service, the family extend an invitation to join them at The Wyrebank for refreshments and to continue sharing stories and memories of a wonderful woman.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired can be given in memory of Beryl for ‘PSPA’ - Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Association c/o funeral director.

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

23/01/2026

In Loving Memory of Keith Anthony Horner
21st March 1944 – 10th January 2026

The family have asked us to announce and share the sad news that Keith died peacefully in Royal Lancaster Infirmary on Saturday 10th January 2026, aged 81 years.

Keith was a dearly loved partner of Maggie, a much loved dad and cherished grandad.

He will be loved and remembered always.

His funeral service will take place at Lancaster & Morecambe Crematorium on Wednesday 28th January at 11.30am.

Family flowers only please. Should you wish to give a donation in memory of Keith, it will be gratefully accepted to help support ‘CRY’ Cardiac Risk in the Young, c/o funeral director.

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

22/01/2026

In Loving Memory of Richard Collinson
10th April 1942 – 11th January 2026

With great sadness, we have been asked to announce and share the news of Richard’s passing, who died peacefully in Royal Lancaster Infirmary on Sunday 11th January 2026, aged 83 years.

Richard was the dearly loved and loving husband of the late Margaret Collinson. A much loved and devoted dad to Jonathan and Julie, and a cherished and dear brother, uncle and grandfather.

Richard will be sadly missed by all his family, friends and colleagues from The Priory, Scorton.

His funeral will be held at The Parish Church of All Saints Barnacre on Tuesday 27th January at 11.00am, before being laid to rest in the churchyard, reunited with his late wife Margaret.

Family flowers only please. If you would like to give a donation in memory of Richard, they are being accepted for ‘British Heart Foundation’ and ‘Dementia 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

22/01/2026

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Taylor
9th August 1935 – 1st January 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Taylor, who died in the care of Oakfield Nursing home on New Years Day, Thursday 1st January 2026, aged 90 years.

Dorothy was born in 1935 at ‘New Hall Farm’, Barnacre as Dorothy Brewer, the youngest of five siblings, Esther, Tom, Jack and Arthur. She attended Scorton school, walking each day to and from her family home in Barnacre.

For many years, Dorothy worked at ‘Farm Fayre’ on Garstang High Street, where she became an expert baker and a gifted cake icer, a talent she was well known and admired for.

In the early 1970s, Dorothy met and married Alan Taylor of School Lane, Winmarleigh. They made their home at ‘Rose Cottage’ Winmarleigh, where Dorothy lived alongside her sister Esther and a lodger, Gwyn.

Dorothy and Alan later moved to Churchtown before moving to Wyre Vale Park in Cabus where they lived happily for many years. Alan sadly passed away in 2004. Dorothy later moved to 3 Maple Road in Garstang then Stanley Lodge in Forton and finally Oakfield Nursing Home in Forton.

Dorothy was a friend to many and will be lovingly remembered for her strength of character, her knitting and baking, her much-loved Christmas cakes and for never having a bad word to say about anyone.

Her funeral service will be celebrated and take place at Lancaster & Morecambe Crematorium on Monday 26th January at 3.30pm.

Family flowers only please. Should you wish to give a donation in memory of Dorothy, they would be gratefully accepted to help support the vital work of TBC c/o funeral director.

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

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

Garstang Funeral Home

19/02/2026

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27/01/2026

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22/01/2026

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13/01/2026

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