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Passionate about grassroots and non-league football, Fred Whalley was also a dedicated Clarets fan after his father took him to his first match at Turf Moor in the 1940s.
The talented mathematician Fred went to work for the former Padiham Building Association while studying at the city’s technical college. After starting cash, he rose to the post of director when the Bradford and Bingley Building Society took over the business and was eventually appointed regional director.
A man who ‘lived and breathed’ sports, especially football, Fred also loved cricket and table tennis and had an avid racing tube.
Playing as goalkeepers in local league football, Fred hung his boots in the 60s and formed his own team with several former schoolmates.
Padiham St John’s was a great success, and Fred even set up a team of young players to help keep the kids off the streets and in trouble.
He led his team to victory in the 1971/72 season in an unprecedented league and Cup double victory with a third win in captain Gray Shield’s final.
In 1977, Fred became chairman of the Padiham Football Club. He took several of his teams from St John’s with him to play in the Lancashire Combined League. And it was quite fitting that Fred, as a young boy, had helped move the ruins and metal from the site to transform it into the Arbories Memorial Field, which is to this day.
Fred was also a former chairman and vice president of Burnley and the District Football League. He also had the role of treasurer and secretary. At the time of his death, he was president of Padiham Football Club.
Married to his second wife, Doreen, for 40 years, Fred’s first wife, Margaret, died in 1980 at just 43 years old.
A dedicated family member, Fred leaves his son Stewart, daughter Carol and grandson Craig. He also leaves four grandchildren and three grandchildren.
Fred’s funeral was held last Thursday, and donations to Pendleside Hospice and Padiham FC are accepted in his memory.
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