Hotelier died after dementia battle

Family and friends paid tribute to 85-year-old Stanley Bannister, who died on March 7 after a long battle with dementia.

Mr Bannister was born and raised in Blackpool, and was the son-in-law of RG Shepherd, who was editor of the West Lancashire Evening Gazette for 40 years.

He worked as the owner of the Elletson Arms Hotel in Pilling for 13 years before moving to the Isle of Man with his wife Celia, where he worked as a catering lecturer.

His funeral was held at the Douglas Lawn Cemetery Chapel on the island on March 16, with a eulogy read by his closest friends.

He leaves behind a wife, three children, and six grandchildren.

His wife Celia, 82 who worked for The Gazette for several years, said: “I am heartbroken but he had a lovely life.

“We travelled a lot into old age and had a wonderful time.

“We have three wonderful children and six fascinating grandchildren.

“I couldn’t bear it if he had ended up in one of those care homes.

“The setting of the chapel with its picture window overlooking the hills and the spring sunshine was perfect.”