Cancer death in America of music maestro Gordon (52)

Freelance carpet designer Gordon Schofield, a resident of Dalton, Georgia, died from cancer on August 23rd aged 52.

Brought up in Harle Syke, the father-of-two was a popular and well-known figure on the local music scene having played in a number of bands, including Exodus and Daktari.

His mum Muriel said he had had a “life-long passion” for music hich had seen him own 13 guitars.

“He started out as a bass guitarist but also played the guitar and sang a lot,” she said. “He loved all kinds of music but mainly reggae. Bob Marley was his favourite artist.

“He started out in bands but began playing and recording by himself a lot more as he got older. He was very talented.”

After attending Edge End High School and Burnley College, Mr Schofield was offered a position as a trainee carpet designer at Donaghadee Carpets, Nelson. Some six years later his job saw him move to Manchester and then Scotland before the opportunity to continue his career in America arose.

“It was about a decade ago he moved out there,” said his mum. “He was recommended for the job by an old boss and decided to go for it.

“He enjoyed it out there and had done very well for himself.”

Despite marrying a Georgian native in his wife Rachel, Gordon never lost his Lancashire accent and remained fiercely loyal to Burnley Football Club.

“He was determined never to lose his Lancashire accent,” added Mrs Schofield. “He was somebody who enjoyed meeting people and was always laughing. He could talk the hind leg off a donkey.

“All the family managed to get out and see him before he died so that was nice.”

He leaves his parents Jack and Muriel Schofield, siblings Alan and Jill, wife Rachel, children Tracy and Linzi and nine grandchildren.

His funeral was held in Georgia but a celebration of his life is being held at Briercliffe Social Club, Holgate Street, on Saturday, September 10th, from 7 p.m.

Anybody wishing to attend can ring Jack and Murial on 01282 428881.