Read ‘local character’ dies aged 89

Gordon Nutter, of Hambledon View, was a popular figure in the village where he lived and worked for 60 years.

The much-loved father-of-three and grandfather, who was a Second World War veteran, worked as a self-employed plasterer and tiler during his life. But after a period of ill-health following a number of operations he sadly died on August 18th.

The flag was flown at half mast at the Read Constitutional Club where Mr Nutter was a lifelong member.

Allan Nutter (53) described his father as “funny”, “witty”, and “well liked”.

He said: “He was a real local character and a lot of people knew him in the village. He was interested in people and he would talk to anybody. He had a great wit and a clever sarcasm – his one-liners were always received with lots of laughter. He liked to laugh and for everyone to be happy and involved.”

Mr Nutter senior was born in Pendleton where his parents had the Post Office. When he left school he joined the Army to serve with the Grenadier Guards and saw action as a gunner on the tanks in Germany.

He set up home in Read in 1953 after marrying his late wife Olive. He became a self-employed plasterer after completing his apprenticeship in Whalley and gained a sterling reputation for his excellent standards of work.

He was also a skilled tiler and completed work for several schools and local authorities in the area.

Mr Nutter, who had three children – Keith (59) Gill (55) and Allan (53) – retired aged 60, but enjoyed spending time cooking, baking and doting on his three grandchildren.

He was a keen gardener and loved following sport including the Clarets and Read Cricket Club matches.

He died peacefully in his sleep at Dove Court Nursing Home on August 18th aged 89.

His funeral was held at Burnley Crematorium and donations were taken for the British Heart Foundation.