BRIAN Lawton was a familiar face in Huddersfield town centre.
For years, he was a postman, delivering mail throughout the centre and at Fartown Green.
Brian, 73, was a postman for more than 37 years. But he started his working life in a cobbler's shop in Bradford Road, Fartown.
He was born in Rastrick, but was educated at Hillhouse School. He moved to Dewhurst Road, Fartown, with his mother as a boy.
He served with the RAF during the Second World War and in later years was a member of the Royal Air Force Association and the Huddersfield branch of the Royal British Legion.
Brian was perhaps best known for his love of jazz and folk music. Along with Geoff Elson he ran the Singing Jenny Folk Club in various venues in Huddersfield and was one of the founder members of Holmfirth Folk Festival.
During the sixties he was very involved with the Huddersfield Hospital Radio, taking photos of many singers and celebrities who visited the town, including Ken Dodd and Elkie Brooks.
He formed firm friendships with many of them, including Huddersfield-born actor Gorden Kaye. When Gorden appeared on the television's This Is Your Life Brian was a guest.
He was also friends with Cleo Laine and John Dankworth and acted as roadie for them when they toured Ireland.
Brian was also an avid collector of many things, particularly autographs. He was in Huddersfield Collectors' Club and the Laurel and Hardy Society.
He was found dead at his Dewhurst Road home.
