Stuart Ingham

Published on 12/02/2021

STUART JOHN INGHAM On 21st January2021, Stuart, known 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 he was the son-in-law of the late Nancy and George Singleton, and and the brother-in-law of Rod and several cousins. He was 74 years old. After leaving school, his first job, which he had for 20 years, was as an underground mechanic. Most of that time was spent at Hapton Valley Colliery. He only left the coal industry because of the pit closure. He was one of 94 applicants for a mechanical engineers job with North West Water,(which later became United Utilities). Complications with type 2 diabetes led to a below-knee amputation, forcing him, reluctantly, into early retirement. He spent 26 happy years in that job. His last job title was Field Service Engineer. In their retirement Stuart and Margaret enjoyed several cruise holidays. The Mediterranean, Western Caribbean islands, The Baltic ports and the Canaries left them with happy memories. Their favourite cruise destination was the Norwegian Fjords-slower paced and the most relaxing, it was "just what the doctor ordered". 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. The Mercury at Westhoughton was another of many venues where he loved to sing. 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. In that way everyone can play their part and protect the NHS and emergency services. The funeral will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Wednesday 17th of February at 3PM No flowers please, donations in lieu of flowers to Diabetes UK c/o Wolstenholme Funeral Directors, Accrington.

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kim keogh February 12th, 2021

Myself, my bestie Elizabeth, Ann and many more of the Belthorn residents will have lasting memories of Stuart. His rendition of Mustang Sally got many of us girating at The Dog, The Shed in Belthorn or the Boatyard at Riley Green on a Friday night. He was always a cheerful chappie with a smile and a cheeky grin and although I/we hadn’t seen him in a few years (we now live in St Annes and Ann on the Isle of Wight) he will always be remembered as one of those larger than life characters, once seen and certainly NEVER forgotten. Our sympathies go out to Margaret, Maureen and all of his family but take comfort in knowing that he’ll still be entertaining them all with that big karaoke machine up in the sky. Good night, God Bless old friend and it’s been a pleasure to know you love Kim, Elizabeth and Ann 💖xxx