Church service to celebrate the life of well known and respected businessman Bill

A funeral service to celebrate the life of one of the area's best known businessmen will be held on Tuesday, May 8th.
Bill Oddie with his daughter LaraBill Oddie with his daughter Lara
Bill Oddie with his daughter Lara

The service to celebrate the life of Bill Oddie, who was at the helm of his family business, Oddie's Bakery, will be at 1pm and St Peter's Church in Burnley.

It follows a private cremation for Mr Oddie who was 76.

He had worked for the family business for 50 years, 30 of them as managing director.

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A highly respected figure across Burnley and Pendle, Bill was well known to staff and customers at the firm's 16 shops across the county.

Founded by Bill's grandfather, William Henry Oddie, the first shop was opened in Colne in 1905. Bill's father, John Dean Oddie, then helped steer the business through the 20th century with Bill taking charge in 1988 following his father's death.

A talented sportsman in his day cricket was Bill's main passion.

He turned out for Blackburn Rugby Club, batted for Nelson Cricket Club in the Lancashire League and was a former player, chairman and president with Belvedere and Calder Vale Sports Club.

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Bill leaves his wife Lesley, daughter Lara, son Jeremy and grandchildren Hope, Lydia and Myles. He also leaves a brother, David.

There is a request for family flowers only but donations if desired can be made to either Belvedere and Caldervale Sports Club or Prostate Cancer UK c/o Helliwell's Funeral Service, Stott House, Burnley Road, Colne.

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