Butterworth’s owner ‘lived life to the full’

Harry Butterworth

TRIBUTES have been paid to Harry Butterworth, one of Oldham’s best known faces, who has died, aged 91.

Mr Butterworth, who ran Butterworth’s Chip Shop for 44 years with his wife, Olga, and was a prominent war veteran, died in his sleep at his home in Grasscroft on Thursday.

Mr Butterworth, who “enjoyed a life of superb good health”, according to his son, Peter, was still regularly attending Oldham Athletic matches up until last year.

Born and bred in Oldham, he signed up to the Territorial Army when he was 18 and was called up to serve in the Second World War as a tank sergeant and in tank recovery.

After surviving the decimation of his regiment, the 47th Oldham Tank Regiment, during the Battle of El Alamein in Egypt, he was re-assigned into the Sherwood Rangers and became involved in the D-Day landings.

He later met his Polish wife, Olga, who was in a labour camp near to where he was stationed in Germany, and, despite resistance from the authorities, they were married in Hanover.

After returning to Oldham they opened the chip shop and subsequent cafe in Union Street which became renowned for good quality food.

His prominence within the veterans’ association, and as chairman of his former Oldham regiment, led him to meeting the Queen in 2008. He was also once seated next to the then prime minister, Tony Blair, at a D-day anniversary event at the Lowry in Salford Quays.

Mr Butterworth was also involved in local politics, both as a parish councillor in Springhead and an Oldham Council Conservative candidate in Oldham West.

Peter says above all his father was a sociable, friendly and gentle man who lived life to the full.

“He was a very popular and well-known figure in Oldham, mainly through owning the fish and chip shop but also through playing golf at Werneth,” said Peter.

“I only ever remember him being seriously ill once in his life, he was always in remarkably good health. He still had a season ticket for Oldham Athletic until he was 90. He lived for his social life and had many friends.

“He had a pleasant, gentle nature and a good sense of humour. He enjoyed playing the clown and he had me, my mother and sisters falling about laughing.”

Mr Butterworth also leaves daughters Norma Hurst and Janet Wright and grand-daughter Michelle.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 27, at St Anne’s Church, Lydgate, at 1.30pm.