KevinHOLDENPassed away on November 30 at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, after a short illness aged 80 years.
Kevin was born at Cherry Tree, Blackburn on April 15 1943 and attended St Silas School, followed by Blakeymoor Secondary School. His first business venture was Crossfield Care Sales in Blackburn, which he ran until becoming proprietor of Hillock Vale Motors on Burnley Road, Accrington in 1970. He was easily recognised by pipe and his deerstalker hat. In 1980 he and his wife Margaret opened The Hollies Care Home in Clayton-le-Moors, and in 1991 opened Haydock Nursing Home. A further home Birch Hall Care Centre was taken over in 2011. During the 1960s, Kevin was part of the Blackburn pop scene, being a member of a group called the Fables, later The Four Pennies, but he had left the group when they became famous. He played at The Locarno Blackburn and several Mecca dance halls. Kevin remained active in business until 2015 when his children took over the running of the homes.
Kevin was a proud member of Accrington Rotary Club, joining in 1985. During this time, he held carious offices, being president 1995-96. He was proud to have started the Christmas Tree Appeal with fellow Rotarians, and the generosity of the people of Hyndburn collected thousands of presents for local children over the 14 years he ran it. He also organised the monthly Rotary walks, including one every Boxing Day and he helped out where he could at Rotary events. He enjoyed holidays in France, Italy and Austria, but got most pleasure from exploring the by-ways of England, Wales and his beloved Scotland. He enjoyed steam trains and this year went on to Jacobite Express over the Glen Finnan viaduct.
Kevin was the dearly loved husband of Margaret, treasured father of Clair, Chris, ’adopted’ father of Elizabeth, his niece and the late Karl, a dear pops and great grandad and uncle.
The funeral service will take place at All Saints Church, Clayton-le-Moors on Tuesday, December 19 at 12.30pm, followed by burial at St Stephen’s Tockholes.
At his request, family flowers only, with donations if desired in memory of Kevin to the East Lancashire Hospice c/o
Hyndburn Funeral Service,
Queens Road, Accrington.
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