A well-known Keighley trader who “never retired” has died at the age of 88

Howard Brook passed away at his home in Long Lee.

His son, Stuart, said his father had never fully recovered after breaking his hip in a fall two years ago.

“He didn’t have holidays and he never really retired – he used to work 364 days a year,” he added.

Mr Brook was born in Keighley and educated at Highfield School.

He became an apprentice joiner at Laycocks in Oak-worth Road, then later started his own business with a mobile cafe.

He was keen on DIY, so set up a shop in Green Street, Keighley, selling paint. He shifted this business to Lawkholme Lane 50 years ago – it is still there and is now run by Stuart.

Howard Brook was particularly well known for his ownership of four Keighley fish and chip shops. One of these – in Lawkholme Lane – is now Wilson’s Fish Restaurant.

He and his late wife, Freda, enjoyed riding a tandem bicycle, and would go on trips to the Yorkshire Dales and even as far as Scarborough.

As well as Stuart, Mr Brook also leaves behind his daughter Kathleen.

His funeral service was held in Long Lee Methodist Chapel on Friday, followed by cremation at Oakworth.