400 mourners at funeral of Northern Soul fan

A well-known and highly thought of Clitheroe man who was a prominent figure on the Northern Soul scene has died suddenly aged 58.
Freddie Waterhouse. (s)Freddie Waterhouse. (s)
Freddie Waterhouse. (s)

Fred Waterhouse (known as Freddie), of Henthorn Road, attended St Augustine’s RC High School, Billington, before serving his time as a cabinet maker at Burnley College.

At the age of 16, Freddie began collecting records, starting his life-long love of soul music. Starting with Motown and commercial soul, he quickly progressed to his passion of Northern Soul and became a regular at the “Wigan all nighters” and events nationwide.

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Freddie was employed on the railways for over 26 years, a job he loved – so much so his nickname became “Call Out Man”, as he never refused an extra call out or shift if needed.

Freddie’s first marriage was to Christine in 1982. Christine had two sons, Justin and Simon, and they were soon joined by sisters Kimberley and Kerrie. Freddie’s second marriage, in 2003, was to Pauline, and he gained another stepson, Christopher. Seven grandchildren followed and Freddie was a devoted grandad.

A family man, Freddie spent many happy holidays with the family pursuing his love of skiing and caravanning, as well as exotic holidays.

Best remembered among his friends for his great sense of humour, his popularity was evident when more than 400 mourners turned out for his funeral at Burnley Crematorium.

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