Loving family man with 'heart of gold' was the 'best there ever was'

Tributes have been paid to a loving family man and businessman who ‘had a heart of gold’ and was ‘the best there ever was’.

John Richard Dickinson of Haslingden passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, at Royal Blackburn Hospital, aged 65. The beloved father-of-two worked with his dad, George for the family business, Dickinson Transport based in Waterfoot.

He also managed Rossendale Valley FC as well as Haslingden Girls and Ladies FC, providing young people with an opportunity to showcase their talent and enjoy a sport they were passionate about. His daughter, Stephanie, said: “He was a generous, caring, loving family man and businessman that had a heart of gold, and very strong willed.

“It sounds very cliché, but dad really was the best there ever was. The sheer amount of messages, cards, gifts, love and support that has been received since his passing speaks a thousand words.

“He meant so much to so many people and will forever be in our hearts.”

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John was born to parents George and Peggy on Bury Road in Haslingden at home, where he grew up with his sister Jennifer. The former Haslingden Secondary Modern School pupil went straight to work with his dad for the family business, Dickinson Transport based in Waterfoot.

George and John went on to start a new company, Greenline Carriers, which had a main depot in Lowerhouse, Burnley. They then sold the company and launched Enviro Spacestation, which Stephanie’s brother Jonathan now runs.

There are two Enviro Spacestation warehouse’s, one located on Network 65 Business Park, Burnley and the other one Shuttleworth Mead Business Park, Padiham.

John managed Jonathan’s football team Rossendale Valley FC over the years when he was a young boy and then also went on to manage Stephanie’s own football team, Haslingden Girls and Ladies FC from when she was around 13-16 years old.

He put his heart and soul into Haslingden Girls Football Club and contributed towards Haslingden St Mary’s FC which then became at the time the team’s home ground.

John treat the team like an extended family and would always organise get together’s for the girls and the parents whether this be round the family home or meals out. John met his wife Debra on a night out in Blackburn at the Sett End Pub.

The couple got married in 1981 at St James’ Church in Accrington. Family holidays were a favourite past time for John and over the years he and his family travelled to many countries from Barbados to Punta Prima in Menorca which John was very fond of and returned for many years. John enjoyed spending his time with family and going out for family meals most Sunday lunch times.

He also enjoyed watching James Bond films and had a keen interest in cars. John would take his beloved chocolate Labrador, Fudge, everywhere he went, including work.

The devoted grandfather-of-three to Noah, Alfie and George adored being a grandad.

He would let the boys ride around on his knee on the seated lawnmower when it came to cutting the grass at home, which they loved.