This obituary notice is published in the Rossendale Free Press on Friday 27th October, 2017.

Mr Edwin Slater, of Grasmere Road, Haslingden, died on Saturday, October 21, at Springhill Care Home in Oswaldtwistle after a short illness. He was 89 years old.

A lifelong Rossendale resident, he left school at 14, but went on to establish his own successful hearing aid business in the Valley.

He was a member of Probus, Speakers Club and the Conservative Party, and volunteered for many organisations including Rossendale Hospice, RNLI and Talking Newspapers. He was a blood donor for many years, earning a gold award after donating fifty pints. He was a close confidant of Father Christmas, representing him on many occasions at Tor View School.

He was an enthusiastic driver, and was proud to be a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Other hobbies included yoga, horse riding and fine dining. He loved to travel, and enjoyed visiting his son and family in the United States.

He leaves his wife Joan, son John, daughter-in-law Stacy and granddaughter Chloe. He also leaves a sister, Alice.

His funeral will take place at 1.00pm on Friday, November 3rd at St Nicholas, Newchurch. Family flowers only, with donations to RNLI.