The daughter of an Accrington charity stalwart has paid tribute to her father following his death.
Keith Sowerbutts, 85, from the Hollins nursing home passed away on January 6.
He had devoted his life to raising funds for causes including the Maundy Relief and Victim Support.
He had worked for Hyndburn Borough Council as a groundsman for many years until his retirement.
His daughter Lynn Wachala said her father saw the good in everybody.
She said: “He always looked on the bright side of things, and he always saw the funny side and saw the best in people.
“He used to write poetry and he had a book published.
“He worked for the council all his life and ended up working for the parks, but he had a good 30 years of retirement.”
Lynn said her father was well known within the Accrington community.
She said: “He was dedicated to Victim Support and received an award for his devotion to this cause.
“He did a lot for Age Concern, he started going along to a group on Friday mornings and there were very few people there, but gradually it built up and he used to do raffles, bingo and prizes.
“He was a driver for Dial-A-Ride and was a big supporter of the Maundy Grange in Accrington.
“He was also involved in sports for children, he used to buy medals out of his own money to encourage them to do better.
“He was a big fan of Accrington Stanley and he played cricket into his sixties. Even though he was retired he kept himself busy.
“He had been invited to attend the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace for his services to charity but he was unable to go.
“He left my brother a letter after he passed away and he ended it with a joke.”
Keith also ran his own cricket team The Chevaliers, as well as being a member of Stonefold Cricket Club.
Keith leaves his daughter Lynn and son John, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
