Len Airey 1946/2024
(Joe's 1954/1957)
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Obituary by Ray Wood (Joe's 1954/1965)
Leonard Trevor Airey was
born on 15th September 1946 at Riddington, Clifton nr. Preston. His birthplace
was on an estate owned by his maternal grandparents, the Bonds, who are still
extensive Fylde business and farming people. He was the 2nd of 5 siblings the
others all being girls. The family moved to Newton with Scales when he was 2. He
was sent to school at Lark Hill Convent Preston with 3 of his sisters.
On his 8th birthday he started at St. Joseph's College Blackpool. He joined Prep
B with Mr. Lynskey as his main teacher. He continued through the Prep department
but when he was 11 his family moved to Lea and he transferred to Preston
Catholic College (PCC). At St. Joseph's he was a good mathematician and had a
keen interest in History and poetry. He enjoyed football and was a regular
goalkeeper in the weekly games following in his father's shoes who had played in
goal for the Royal Navy including a Wembley appearance. He also was winner on 3
consecutive years of the 3 legged race. His image as a quiet country boy was
shattered at his first Sports Day when his mother, a very glamorous lady,
appeared driving a Ford Pilot shooting brake; Len's prestige rocketed among his
class mates.
At PCC he continued his interest in maths and also became very skilled at
technical drawing. He put these to good use when he was successful in gaining a
place at John Moore's University Liverpool in quantity surveying. After 5 years
working in Britain he took a post in Gibraltar working for the Royal Naval
Dockyard. This he described as his dream job. He was now married to Yvonne and
had two daughters, Caroline and Yvette. In Gibraltar he had a keen interest in
Neanderthal sites and the Moorish culture. Unfortunately his wife died and
although supported for 2 years by his parents and sisters he reluctantly
returned to the Preston area where he was able to continue his career and
complete his daughters' education.
He renewed friendships through the Internet with many of his old friends at St
Joseph's and he became a keen supporter of the Old Boys attending the annual
dinners. Ill health dogged him for the last 15 years of life and restricted his
mobility.
He died on 27th February 2024 survived by his 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren.