Funeral business founder Hedley Jackson dies, aged 88

Hedley Jackson

The co-founder of Hedley Jackson Funeral Directors has passed away peacefully, aged 88.

The beloved husband of the late Joyce, much-loved dad of Helen, Kay, Debbie and Beverley, and proud grandad and great-grandad, Hedley died on September 29.

The Oldham-based family-run, independent funeral business was started in 1958 by Joyce and Hedley.

Originally a joiner, Hedley had previously worked for a local undertaker, while Joyce was one of the first qualified female funeral directors in Northern England.

In the early days Hedley hired funeral vehicles, but the company went on to acquire its own fleet, which prompted the construction of a purpose-built garage facility opposite the Rochdale Road site.

Hedley and Joyce’s daughter Debbie and her husband Ken bought the business in 1996 and continue to run the family firm, supported by a loyal dedicated team of staff.

One of the business's proudest achievements was being nominated and subsequently winning the Pride in Oldham Business Award back in 2005.

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