Obituaries

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Alan Ford


9/ 5/2008

AN EXTROVERT North American who settled in the town following a "flying visit’’ to Accrington about 30 years ago has died.

Mr Alan Ford, of Hope Street, died last week. He is thought to have been 60 years old.

He was a well-known and popular resident who was a familiar figure around town, known to many local shoppers and market traders. He was known as a somewhat eccentric and gushy character whose antics appeared in the media.

As one of Towneley Hall’s most popular actors, he enthusiastically played the part of Richard Towneley in regular presentations to visitors to the hall in Burnley and was interviewed on television several times about his role.

He was also a popular guest on BBC Radio Lancashire. Being a verbose and enthusiastic teller of tales, he was invited back several times. He also gave talks to local groups based on his travels and experiences around the world.

His extrovert, gregarious and very friendly personality belied a highly intelligent and well- educated background, gaining degrees from Munich University and Harvard.

He was a member of the extended American Ford family and was brought up in the area of Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, where his father was employed. He would relate seeing craft taking off into space.

Mr Ford had many "well-connected’’ friends around the world and several years ago appeared in the Observer, with photograph, of his visit as a guest to a White House party at which he befriended Bill and Hillary Clinton. They later kept in touch with him and sent him various memorabilia from the White House.

It is understood a relative is coming over from America to organise his funeral.


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Most recent 2 of 10 user comments

   Alan... what a star! The world will be a much duller place without you.
Ian F
9/06/2008 at 11:49
   I'm surprised The Observer allowed J.Groves comment to be printed. To malign someone after death is a very cheap shot at the very least. J Groves surely has issues. Alan Ford was a extraordinary individual. I never meet another person like him. His uniqueness, kindness, friendship, elegance, creativity, and humor are only a few of the nice words friends have said about him. He never spoke an unkind word to or about anyone. All who really knew Alan Ford loved him. Alan a hoarder ? Humm ? collector would have been a better word. He was one of those people that could not let go of the past, had many possessions he just could not part with. He spoke of his historical acting job often on his visits to the states, how he loved England and all it's history. Alan was cherished J. Groves and will be missed by friends from all over the world. Sincerely John Pepin Massachusetts USA
JOHN PEPIN
19/05/2008 at 18:56
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