TRIBUTES were today paid to a war veteran who has died aged 83.
Former Blackpool Football Club director Tom Brennand, of Newton Drive, Blackpool, died in Blackpool Victoria Hospital last Thursday after suffering a ruptured aneurysm.
As a keen sportsman, he was well known across the Fylde for being a former cap
tain of North Shore Golf Club and director at Bloomfield Road.
Mr Brennand served in World War Two when he was just 18 and spent two years in hospital after being hit by mortar fire.
His son Michael, 51, said: "With him being wounded so seriously in the war, to make it to 83 was really fantastic. He was a real character. His two passions were golf and football."
After working as a salesman supplying ingredients to the meat industry for most of his working life, Mr Brennand decided to set up his own business, Fylde Butchers Supplies, in 1973.
Michael added: "He was 49 which is quite a late age to set up your own business. He was an excellent salesman, that was his forte in life."
Not only did Mr Brennand enjoy playing golf and supporting the Seasiders, he showed some nifty moves on the dance floor in his time, representing England in the Come Dancing contest.
Mr Brennand leaves wife Audrey, sons Michael and David and five grandchildren.
His funeral was being held today at 12pm at St Paul's Church on Whitegate Drive.
The full article contains 241 words and appears in Blackpool Gazette newspaper.
