THE funeral of a popular Blackburn landlord is due to take place on Monday.
Ken Pilling, 65, who retired in 1998 after running pubs throughout the town, died last week in hospital.
A service is to be held at Blackburn Cathedral at 2pm followed by cremation at Pleasington Cemetery.
Mr Pilling leaves sisters, Jessie, Rita and Sylvia and a brother Jim, who all live in Burnley.
Jessie said Ken's death was a terrible shock, adding the family had received many messages of support and sympathy.
The colourful character devoted much of his life to charity, raising more than £200,000 for homeless and disabled organisations.
He was also a leading light in the campaign for homosexual equality.
The former Landlord of the Year ran the Merchants, in Darwen Street, for more than decade from 1968.
The Merchants became known as the town's first gay-friendly pub.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article