IAN JAMES CRILLY

Messages of Condolence

• Although we havn’t been in touch closely over the years, doesn’t mean you weren’t loved dearly, you were my cousin. Over the past few years we did keep in touch regularly by text and I am so happy we did. We shared good and bad times and also laughs. I will never forget Ian, the last text chat we had was on Sunday as you were coming Into Southampton. I am so happy we did. Love you Ian and will never forget you and how strong you were xxx

  Lesley Rodmell – 19th January 2026

• I will always remember Crilly fondly, as the spotty dog costume in EVERY panto we put on in Lakelands. He will be missed by so many people, myself included x x x x

  Philippa Jones – 19th January 2026

• From the moment I first saw you nearly 50 years ago at circuit training in Bolton I remember thinking who is this Joe Ninety fitness machine. For all the fun times, laugher, hard training runs (they were never easy with Ian) to the races including Bill (Dad) and BWFC etc etc etc..so many beautiful memories of a brave and genuinely lovely man, you will be missed beyond compare, rest in peace my brother, God Bless and Love you Chris xx

  Chris Bate – 20th January 2026

• Ian was very highly regarded at Farnworth Grammar School not only academically but also as one of the best cross country runners the school ever produced. He beat me in every single race, I think.
  We were best mates in the first year (1971) and we took it in turns visiting each other’s houses on Saturdays, although we always made sure we got his evening paper round done.
  He was a bit more ‘swotty’ than I was & in our 2nd year we were put in different classes, his was a higher academic grade than mine, so we drifted into other groups of mates, although we remained friends until I left in 1976.
  I only bumped into Ian a few times after leaving school, once in a nightclub in Bolton, when he told me enthusiastically all about how he had joined the RAF.
  A few years later I became a good mate of Kieran who updated me on Ian including the awful MND diagnosis.
  I’ve posted on the school Facebook about Ian & the response was amazing, showing how well liked and even admired he was. A great tribute to a genuinely nice person.

  Chris Allcock – 20th January 2026