William Driver (Bill) (1935 - 2018) Bill was born on the 21st November 1935 in Clitheroe to Elsie and Thomas Driver. He has one brother, Roy, and now a sister-in-law, Carol. Bill was brought up and educated in Ribblesdale attending local schools. He was 5 years old when his father left for the war. His father was a P.O.W. And Bill was 10 before his father came home. He left school when he was 15 years old and, served his time as a painter and decorator. He had three jobs in his life time, painter and decorator, then; Atkinsons as a sprayer and then, tanker driver for Ribblesdale Cement. Bill was a good footballer in his younger day and played for the amateur league for Chatburn and Ribblesdale Cement, When Bill was 21 he joined the army doing 2 years national service as a cook. When he came home he met and married Jennifer. Bill was a private man and he and Jennifer kept themselves to themselves but sadly Jennifer passed away in 1988. Bill was a quiet man until- one got to know him. He was a golfer at Stoneyhurst and joined Ribblesdale Bowling Club and played for the club in the league games. Along with golf and bowls he enjoyed word search and a glass of wine. Bill loved travelling including India, Nepal and Everest. He also went to Egypt and did a Nile cruise. Bill did quite a few Saga trips and made many friends. He has a nephew in the Australian police and bill went to see him in Australia 3 times. Bill had a purse that he carried with. him and would fiddle with it. He was known for his purse and the moths that lived in it! He had a little diary that he carried everywhere. It was always in his pocket but he never wrote anything in it! Bill has been a friend and partner to Hazel for 15 years and has been very kind and supportive to her. They enjoyed many holidays together including a trip to Cyprus. He supported Hazel in pantomime and she, and her fellow actors, gained awards for best pantomime in the north west as well as many other awards. They were soul—mates and had a great relationship. Bill was happy and contented ‘with his life. In May his health began to deteriorate and he -stopped driving and was unable to play golf or bowls. Bill passed away on the 3rd July at the Blackburn Royal Hospital. His family is very grateful to the staff at the hospital for their kindness‘ to this kind, gentleman who never had a bad word for anyone. Bill will be sadly missed but happily remembered.
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