A devastated family have come together to share their memories of a popular Pendle couple who died in a horror crash on Sunday.
Stanley Shaw (83) and his wife Eileen Shaw (61), of Clarence Street, Colne, were killed when their pale blue Hyundai i10 collided with a grey Skoda Octavia on the A65 near Skipton at around 5-10pm.
The pair, who will be remembered by many for their active contribution to Brierfield Liberal Club, were travelling back from a weekend trip at Craggwood Caravan Park with their dogs Pippa and Jess when the tragedy occurred. Both the husky and the mongrel survived.
Stanley leaves his son Stephen and two grandchildren Lisa and Robert, while Eileen leaves her sister Jean, children Joanne and Keith and five-month-old grandchild Tom.
Paying tribute on Wednesday, each side of the family gathered together to reflect on the life of the social and caring couple, who will be “remembered very fondly” by all who knew them.
Robert (35) said: “My grandad and Eileen had a very good life together.
“My grandad’s health had deteriorated quite a bit, but he had always been a lot younger than his age. Eileen was a fantastic woman. She was still very fit and active.”
Jean (60) added: “Eileen was so loyal and so caring, and she would stick up for you — right or wrong.”
And Keith (35) said: “We would just like to say how much we loved them. My mum was the proudest grandma.”
Stanley, who worked in machine removal throughout his life, spent many years as captain of Brierfield Liberal Club’s snooker “A” team.
The keen fisherman had also helped run a pet shop, in Railway Street, Brierfield, with his first wife Shirley approximately 45 years ago.
Over the past five years, he had battled a variety of illnesses, including bladder and kidney cancer. But with his strength and “fighting spirit” he had managed to overcome both. At the time of his death, he was on the way to a hospital appointment, where he would have been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Eileen, a fan of reading, travelling and knitting, worked in a variety of managerial and secretarial roles throughout her life. The former West Street Primary School pupil had also worked behind the bar, and as treasurer, for Brierfield Liberal Club — a job she retired from only six months ago.
The couple, both animal lovers, married 27 years ago, having met at a dinner dance two years previously. Their inquest was due to be opened and adjourned yesterday.
The family of Stanley and Eileen would like to thank their friends, family and police officers for the “unbelievable” support they have received.
A funeral service is expected to take place at Skipton Crematorium next week. For more information contact the family on 07960 839257. Donations will be split between the Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research UK.
Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact police on 101.