StuartINGHAMOn Thursday, January 21, Mr Stuart John Ingham, known to many as ‘Stu-babe’, passed away peacefully in The Royal Blackburn Hospital after a short illness, with his wife Margaret by his side. They were soulmates and best friends. They were totally devoted to each other and had been happily married for almost 48 years. He was the youngest of three children, having two older sisters who he loved dearly, Brenda, sadly deceased, and Maureen. Stuart is survived by his sister Maureen, brother-in-law Frank, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, two great, great nieces, and several cousins. He was the son-in-law of the late Nancy and George Singleton, and the brother-in-law of Rod. He was 74. After leaving school, he worked for 20 years as an underground mechanic. Most of that time was spent at Hapton Valley Colliery. He then spent 26 happy years as a mechanical engineer with North West Water, later United Utilities. His last job was a field service engineer before complications with type 2 diabetes led to a below knee amputation, forcing him, reluctantly, into early retirement. In their retirement, Stuart and Margaret enjoyed cruise holidays. The Mediterranean, Western Caribbean Islands, the Baltic Ports, and the Canaries left them with happy memories. Stuart enjoyed music all his life and was blessed with a fantastic voice. In Belthorn, where he lived, he was known as ‘Stuart the singer’. For several years he enjoyed Friday night karaoke at The Boatyard, Riley Green. Elvis Presley was his favourite, but Tom Jones, Roy Orbison, Elton John (whose birthday he shared) and others featured. Stuart was known and loved by a lot of people. He enjoyed his working life and was well-respected for being hard-working and knowledgeable. A man with a huge personality and generous heart. A loyal friend and confidant. He could reduce you to tears with his jokes and quirky sense of fun. His storytelling was legendary. A ‘larger-than-life’ character, Stuart will be greatly missed. Margaret has requested that anyone wishing to pay their respects do so at home and suggests listening to music while thinking of Stuart. The funeral will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Wednesday, February 17, at 3pm. No flowers; donations to Diabetes UK. Funeral director: Wolstenholmes.
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