Tributes have been paid to a hardworking businessman who employed more than 100 people over the years. Edwin James Stansfield, 96, peacefully passed away from frailty on June 3 at his home at Haslam Farm, Rawtenstall where he lived for more than 40 years.
He was the owner and founder of Stansfield’s Garage for more than 70 years and dedicated his life to the business seven days a week repairing vehicles.
His son, Colin, who has been running the business for 35 years, said: “He loved motorbikes and cars and he would repair and sell them.
“He liked socialising in the evenings.
“The business was the only place around here for many miles at the time that offered these services so people came far and wide.”
Edwin, who was affectionately known as ‘Eddie’, grew up on Burnley Road, Waterfoot and was brother to the late Brenda.
He went on to have a family, raising eight children.
Edwin began his working life as a joiner and completed an apprenticeship in Rossendale.
He served in the army as a driver for nine months until the position was no longer required and he was released.
Edwin opened Stansfield’s Garage in the late 50s in Haslingden and bought and repaired vehicles.
He then moved his business to Bury Road, Rawtenstall, where he built his own garage called E J Stansfield Brookside Garage.
Edwin would recover accident damaged vehicles belonging to Lancashire Police and Greater Manchester Police 24 hours a day.
The business diversified in the 90s and began to offer a car and van hire service.
A new garage was built in 2001 to replace the old garage.
Edwin went on many trips abroad including to Singapore, Hong Kong, Cuba, Barbados and Malta, with Goa one of his favourite places.
He also enjoyed holidays in the UK and hired a cabin cruiser from Maidenhead and cruised on the Thames for a week.
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