Tributes for former Burnley estate agent and businessman who has died at the age of 70

A former well known and highly respected Burnley estate agent and businessman has died.
John Dinsdale with his wife Liz and their son and daughter Richard and SophieJohn Dinsdale with his wife Liz and their son and daughter Richard and Sophie
John Dinsdale with his wife Liz and their son and daughter Richard and Sophie

John Dinsdale practised as a chartered surveyor and estate agent for over 45 years, beginning his career as a trainee at the former Dacre, Son and Hartley. From there John set up Taylforth's, in partnership with Alex Taylforth.

John later moved to Entwistle Green where he became director. He set up his Burnley-based business J W Dinsdale Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors in 1991. He sold the Parker Lane business in 2017 to Jon Simon estate agents.

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Known for his honest advice, John was always happy to help anyone and Kath Parker, a long term colleague and friend, described him as 'very generous and always right.'

John was a keen golfer with a 30 year connection to Nelson Golf ClubJohn was a keen golfer with a 30 year connection to Nelson Golf Club
John was a keen golfer with a 30 year connection to Nelson Golf Club

Yorkshire born John grew up in Steeton. His father, Charlie, served at Dunkirk during WW2 and he and his wife, Hilda, were friends with Captain Sir Tom Moore who was a guest at their wedding.

Growing up with his younger sister Pauline, John had a reputation for being mischievous and was considered a handful at Steeton Primary School where he always seemed to be in trouble.

John went on to attend Ashville College boarding school in Harrogate from the age of 11 to 18. He had a talent for rugby and went on to qualify for the Yorkshire School Boys. He later played for Ilkley, Keighley and later Calder Vale (Burnley RUFC) rugby clubs.

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John met his wife Liz at a 21st birthday party and the couple tied the knot in 1977 and honeymooned in Madeira, a place they would return to many times.

The estate agency in Parker Lane, Burnley, that John set up in 1991 and sold in 2017.The estate agency in Parker Lane, Burnley, that John set up in 1991 and sold in 2017.
The estate agency in Parker Lane, Burnley, that John set up in 1991 and sold in 2017.

John's pride and joy were the couple's son and daughter, Richard and Sophie. Richard followed in his dad's footsteps and played rugby for his school, Lancaster Grammar. John shared a love of food with Sophie and they would often discuss meals and recipes.

A dedicated member of The Wine Society, John had built up a collection of 500 bottles in his wine cellar at the family home in Nelson.

He was also a keen golfer and a member at several golf clubs including Royal Porthcawl in South Wales, Colne, and also Nelson Golf Club where he was the president, captain and trustee during his 31 year membership.

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John was also a dedicated member and president of the former Nelson, Brierfield and Reedley Rotary Club in the 1990s and during that time he and Liz enjoyed trips to Paris as part of a rotary exchange.

A big music fan, John loved The Beatles and even met the 'Fab Four' and got their autographs in Bradford in the 1960s. In his youth John had also been a keen trainspotter.

And John's family often teased him about fostering ambitions to be a lumberjack as he loved chopping wood in the field next to their home. And always by his side was the family pet dog, border collie Molly.

Always dapper, John took great pride in his appearance. He was a sociable man who made friends wherever he went, and his bluff Yorkshire persona often hid a great sense of humour.

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Paying tribute to her dad Sophie said: "He was kind, sometimes, stubborn but always the life and soul of the party especially after a glass or two of wine."

The family have thanked everyone for the numerous cards, flowers and messages of support they have received since John's death after a battle with cancer.

They have also thanked all the teams involved with taking care of John while he was ill, including Rosegrove Surgery in Burnley, Salford Royal Infirmary, Pendleside Hospice, the Macmillan nursing team, district nurses, Routes Healthcare agency and also Alderson and Horan funeral directors for their help and care.

John's funeral will be held next Tuesday (May 4th) at 11am at the Inghamite Church in Fence followed by cremation at Burnley. Although numbers who can attend are restricted to 30, people can pay their respects to John outside the church in Wheatley Lane Road or outside Burnley Crematorium.

The family are accepting donations for Pendleside Hospice in John's memory.