A life lived well
Published on 21st September 2006 in News
The family and friends of a popular Howden businessman, councillor and tractor enthusiast have paid tribute to one of the town's best-loved characters.
People across Goole and Howden were shocked to hear that Mr Brian Leighton, proprietor of Brian Leighton Garages Ltd, died at his home in Portington on Sunday. He was 69 and leaves his wife Sue, sons Tim and Nicholas and several other family members.
Cars and motor vehicles played an important part in Brian's life: he did his National Service with the RAF Motor Transport Service and later worked at Willmott Motors in Howden, now the Geodis site.
Brian Leighton Garages grew out of Majestic Howden and both Tim and Nicholas went to work there.
The garage has become a landmark in the area and was the first in the country to be asked by Nissan to be a trouble-shooter for them, meaning Brian would warn the manufacturers of any recurring faults and head off expensive recalls.
Brian's love affair with wheels extended to tractors and he bought a 1951 David Brown Cropmaster tractor to restore.
"It was nicknamed the 'The Mistress'," Sue recalled. "He spent more time with it than with his wife.
"He then bought a plough and the ploughing competitor was born. This love lasted until his death."
A member of Howden Rotary Club, Brian's varied interests included the countryside, fox-hunting and diving.
"His love of horses led him to join the local York and Ainsty South hunt," said Sue.
"Although very soft-hearted, he loved riding the countryside and the camaraderie of the hunting field and claimed he had only ever seen one fox killed. It had walked straight into the pack of dogs after they finished hunting."
Norman Elliott, secretary of the Rotary Club, said: "It was part of his life to be generous. He will be sadly missed around the town."
A possible career in scuba diving was cut short when he tried to make the last dive of a course that would have led to a certificate.
"He managed to end up in Leicester Hospital for three days and was banned from any further attempts!" said Sue.
His entry into public service saw him "romping" to victory; members of the former Boothferry Borough Council and the current Howden Town Council have expressed their sadness at his death.
Cllr Doreen Engall, who worked with Brian when he was vice-chairman of the housing and environmental health committee, said: "I was very fortunate to work with Brian for a considerable number of years - he was such an understanding, supportive person.
"He was highly respected in Howden and will be missed."
Cllr Ingrid Ridley, chairman of Howden Town Council, added: "Brian had been an active member of Howden Town Council since July, 2003.
"He was devoted to Howden; he always had an opinion and expressed it with a view to improving Howden. He was a very interesting gentleman to talk to and will be sorely missed."
Sadly, Brian's health deteriorated in his last years and his failing eyesight meant he was unable to drive or practise his hobbies.
He shortened his working day but still liked to call into the garage six, sometimes seven days a week to say hello to his colleagues.
"He was always grateful for the respect and loyalty of his staff, calling them his 'greatest asset'," said Sue.
"Many of them had been with him for over 20 years. He liked to be there and seen to be giving moral support if not actual help.
"Brian left this life after a brilliant day out at Silverstone watching his protege, Adam Jackson, racing the motorcycle sponsored by Brian Leighton (Garages) Ltd, followed by an evening at his local with friends. He went to sleep and never woke up - just as he had requested would happen one day.
"The area has lost in the death of Brian Leighton a very loving and loved husband, father and grandfather. A true friend to many and a much loved and respected businessman who was regarded very highly throughout the motor trade.
"At the same time, he remained a country boy at heart, proud of his achievements but his pride was never uncontrolled.
"He leaves a great hole in many lives which can never be filled. May he rest in peace."
There will be a ceremony for Mr Leighton at Howden Minister on Tuesday, September 26 at 1.30pm. This will be followed by a private burial.
Family flowers only, but donations in lieu to the Rotary charities and Howden Minister would be welcome.