FORMER solicitor John G Whittle, who was involved in many aspects of voluntary service in Colne, has died aged 68 after a short illness.

Mr Whittle, a bachelor, lived in the Castle Road area of Colne and for many years up to his retirement in 1990 was a senior partner in the law firm Whittle and Whittaker.

His father was the late William Whittle, OBE, clerk to the magistrates in Pendle from 1936-72 and his brother is Brian Whittle, former town clerk at Burnley.

Born in Colne, he was educated at Colne Grammar School and at the Royal Grammar School, Lancaster.

After obtaining a degree in law he qualified as a solicitor and became articled to his father's firm.

He was a member and president of the Burnley and District Law Debating Society and a member of Colne Probus Club.

He was a member of Colne Masonic Lodge where he had been Worshipful Master and was almoner for about ten years. He was also a former president of Colne Rotary Club and an active member up until his death.

Mr Whittle was a member of St John Ambulance and was made a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.

Throughout his life he had a close connection with St Bartholomew's Parish Church, Colne, where he was a server and church warden.

He had many hobbies, particularly gardening and travel, and had a wide circle of friends.

He leaves a brother, uncle, aunt, niece and two nephews.

The funeral service will be at Colne Parish Church on Wednesday, at 11.30am before a private family-only cremation.

His family has requested no flowers, but donations can be made to Colne Parish Church fabric and repairs fund, via the rector, the Rev Dr Peter Mott.

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