Driving instructor Ken dies (77)

Mr Coughlan (77) died suddenly on Saturday after a short illness.

Born in Burnley, he was educated at Barden Lane Secondary School, Burnley, and after doing National Service with the RAF, set up his own driving school, teaching hundreds of people the rules of the road before changing careers and launching the Ambrose Darby insurance agency.

In his later working life, Mr Coughlan had a car dealership.

Outside work, Mr Coughlan had a keen interest in politics, spending several years as a Conservative member of Pendle Council in the 1980s, where he was chairman of the Finance Committee.

He was the consort to his mother-in-law, Coun. Winifred Crossley, during her year of office as Mayor in 1983/4.

He lived in Barrowford for most of his life and was a member of the Nelson and District branch of the Royal British Legion from its formation 10 years ago, serving as chairman in 2012/3 and working every year on the branch Poppy Appeal, helping on its stall at Morrisons.

His funeral service will be held at St Thomas’s Church, Barrowford, at 1pm on Tuesday, to be followed by burial at Barrowford Cemetery at 2pm. Members of the RBL will parade the Nelson standard at the funeral.

He is survived by his two sons, Chris and Phil, and three grandchildren.