Tributes paid as Silsden man Charles Clarkson dies aged 90 (From Craven Herald)

Tributes paid as Silsden man Charles Clarkson dies aged 90

8:00am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News

Tributes have been paid to a popular Silsden character who has died aged 90.

Charles Clarkson, known as Charlie, was the first baby born by Caesarean section at Keighley’s Victoria Hospital, in August 1922.

He fought in the Second World War, but spent almost all his life in Silsden.

Before his retirement in 1984, Mr Clarkson worked as textile clerk at Hill Benson & Bailey, on Elliott Street.

His daughter Margaret Simpson said: “At one time my dad knew everyone in Silsden. He was well-known for his kind and generous nature but mostly his humour.

“He was a part-time entertainer and involved in various theatrical and Gilbert & Sullivan productions.

“He sang and compered in concert parties as well as volunteering for the Friends of Airedale Hospital for more than 25 years. He had a joke for every occasion and people from Silsden will no doubt remember his smiling face.”

His grandson, Stuart, said: “Charlie was in the Home Guard before joining the RAF in 1940. He trained at Dishforth and Cranwell before flying to Algeria and then crossing the Mediterranean in 1943 to invade German- occupied Sicily.

“He was part of a team of advance troops on the ground in Italy, pioneering ground-breaking radio communications to their pilots in the air.”

Mr Clarkson leaves a wife of 64 years, Doris, as well as his children Margaret Simpson and David Clarkson, five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

His funeral took place at Silsden Methodist Church on Friday, which was followed by a family service at Skipton Crematorium