Obituary Brian Whitlock 1944-2008

All round angler, Brian Whitlock sadly passed away on Saturday September 27th 2008 at his home in Ribchester Lancashire, It was many years, in fact more years ago than I care to remember when I first met Brian. I quickly realised this was a man who lived life to the full. He wasn’t just a good angler; he was a successful business man. His shop Lostock Tackle was one of the best fishing tackle shops in the north of England, where you were welcome with a cup of tea.

It was through this warm and friendly man donating many thousands of pounds worth of tackle and bait over many years, which helped get hundreds of youngsters off the streets. Giving them the chance to try out this great pastime of angling. Many of those youngsters today have Brian to thank for keeping them away from a life of crime and drugs. Today lots of them are successful anglers with families and good jobs.

Brian was a great raconteur who often appeared on my radio shows on BBC Radio 5 and BBC Radio Lancashire. The funeral will take place at St Wilfride’s Church Ribchester at 1-0pm on Monday 6th October The world is a poorer place for his passing, but a wealthier place for his having been here. Brian you were a friend of so many people from all walks of life. Rest in Peace my friend.