Farewell to Clitheroe community stalwart, talented pianist and 'rock of the family'

Tributes have been paid to well-respected local Clitheronian, Philip Dobson, who died aged 77 peacefully at home on September 1st, with his loving wife, Margaret, by his side.
The late Philip DobsonThe late Philip Dobson
The late Philip Dobson

The brother of former professional footballer, Martin Dobson, Thomas Philip Dobson (or Philip as he was known) was born in Blackburn in 1943 and was part of a very talented and loving Dobson family household.

Brought up in Rishton, he attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and excelled in academia, sport and music. Aged 13, he was winning music competitions with his piano playing, aged 16 he was scoring goals and hitting centuries, aged 17 he achieved the CRGS long jump record (which to this day remains the school record), aged 18 he became head boy. Later in life Philip also served for 10 years as a highly regarded CRGS school governor.

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He moved to London to study history at King’s College and aged 21 was offered an academic scholarship to study in America. Academia, however, was put on hold when his father became ill; aged 22 Philip began running the family engineering firm, Dobson and Beaumont, in Blackburn.

Philip Dobson during his footballing days at CRGSPhilip Dobson during his footballing days at CRGS
Philip Dobson during his footballing days at CRGS

In 1967, whilst visiting a mutual family friend in hospital, Philip’s destiny was changed forever when he met Margaret. They fell in love, were married in 1968 and moved to Clitheroe where they have lived ever since for 52 years.

Throughout his life, the piano playing did not stop. Philip was a member of the Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society for over 50 years ago, both as the piano accompanist and long serving committee member.

A family spokesman said: "Music was a passion for him and a huge source of enjoyment in his life, both on the social side through the many friendships he formed in the society, as well as the thrill of learning a new musical score."

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They added: "Philip loved his family. His whole life was based around them and he prioritised the family above all else – in good times or bad, he was the rock of the family. Philip loved his three children Emma, John and Robert and his five grandchildren Tom, Alice, Eve, Rafe and Rufus.

"For over 50 years Philip spent just about every day with his beloved wife, Margaret. The Daily Telegraph cryptic crossword puzzle was solved not by one person, but by two.

"Philip leaves a gaping hole in the lives of many, many people, but none more so than his family who are devastated by their loss, but celebrate with joy the truly wonderful person he was."

The family wish to thank the support and kindness of the Clitheroe Health Service teams, including GPs and the district nurses, as well as the overwhelming messages of support and love from friends and family."

They hope to hold a celebration of his life early next year if the current restrictions on gatherings are eased.

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