Tributes to Burnley film-maker and artist

John Rickard, who died in hospital in February after a sudden heart attack, was well known throughout the borough for his homemade films of Burnley life over the decades.

The 79-year-old was also a talented artist who leaves behind a great body of work.

Mr Rickard, who was born in Wigan, but spent much of his life in Burnley and Brierfield, had been married to the late Dorothy. They had one son Derek, who lives in Ireland, and one grandchild.

Friend Barbara Bennett said: "John lived almost all of his life in the area and has left a legacy of important films and paintings which record the industrial and rural life of Burnley past and present.

"He was an accomplished water colourist, well known, not only locally, but nationally as well. He also represented Burnley in Vitry-sur- Seine, France, Burnley’s twin town and as always, recorded his experience via painting and film.

"John's holidays were always recorded too, via his watercolour box, Cornish harbours and boats being one of his favourite subjects. Further afield, his travels in the States were also a source for his visual documenting. He exhibited with the Pendle Artists Group, where he was a member from 1971 and his work has also been shown in Towneley Hall.

He has always been generous with his time, sharing his skills with others who shared his passions. He will be greatly missed."

Another good friend Joan Carpenter also paid tribute.

She said: "John had served in Cyprus on National Service with my late husband Roy in 1957. He was very gentle and very reserved who was always very smart and well-presented who loved creams and blues.

"In later years John worked with disabled people in Burnley helping them to paint and also attended a bereavement group. He also liked to go for walks. After his death we discovered that John had been working on a portrait of my daughter Julie.

"He will be very sadly missed."