FAMILY and friends have said farewell to a man who dedicated his life to helping others.

Harrison Marshall Haddock, known as Harri, died in Fairfield General Hospital after a brief illness. He was aged 88.

Born in Rochdale, Harri moved to Ramsbottom as a child when his father bought the Pork Shop in Market Place. At the age of 14 he started attending St Philip's Church in Stubbins.

As a young man Harri was keen on fitness and taught lads gymnastics at Holcombe Emmanuel School and at Summerseat Mission. He was also a youth warden at Elton Youth Club and was the founder of Listerfields Youth Centre in Bury.

At the outbreak of World War Two, he joined the Royal Navy and spent 18 months in West Africa at Accra, teaching local people gunnery skills. He was also based at Lowestoft on minesweepers.

After the war Harri took over the pork shop from his father and, together with his wife Brenda, whom he married in 1945, ran the shop for nearly 30 years before retiring when he turned 69.

Until his death, Harri was a member of Ramsbottom Rotary Club and, during his 41-year association, he held numerous posts, including president.

At St Philip's Church he was a former trustee, vicar's warden and a lay reader. He was also a member of the choir during his 74 years attendance.

Mr Stewart Longworth paid tribute to his friend. He said: "Harri was a true gentleman and a very proud and sincere man all his life. He had a full life spanning a wide variety of local interests particularly helping others, teaching children and, where he felt he could make a difference, he did."

Harri is survived by his wife, their son Stuart, and three grandchildren.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday at St Philip's Church followed by cremation at Overdale Crematorium.