Tributes to textiles owner

Christopher Soper, owner of Soper’s Bespoke Furnishings in St Annes, died from cancer on June 11. He was 63.

Today his wife Marilyn paid her own tribute to a man she called a “force of nature.”

She added: “We always joked he was like a human dynamo.

“He never stopped. He always wanted to keep busy. He was never happier than when he was doing something or working in the garden.

“He always said how much he loved living in Lytham and the Fylde coast area.”

Born at Lytham Hospital in 1952, Mr Soper attended Headroomgate Preparatory School before joining King Edward VII School – now known as AKS. He joined the family business established by his father, Ronald Soper – still based on Wood Street in St Annes before it expanded rapidly.

Under Mr Soper’s guidance it opened a branch in Kendal, Cumbria, as well as taking over other textile companies across the region, including Stead McCalpine in Carlisle, as well as others in Haslingden and Barnoldswick.

But in 2013 Mr Soper’s condition began to deteriorate.

Mrs Soper. of Central Beach, Lytham, said: “Christopher was diagnosed with grade four glyo-blastoma, a form of brain cancer. He still went up to Carlisle everyday.

“We started experimental treatment in America for him. But in March he had a seizure at Manchester Airport as we were about to board a flight and he never really recovered.

“But up until then he had had a good 16 to 18 months.

“He got to meet his latest grandchild in that time and kept going for much longer.”

Following treatment at Royal Preston Hospital, Wynthenshawe Hospital and in Texas, Mr Soper moved to St George’s Nursing Home in Marine Drive, where he died last Thursday.

He is survived by wife Marilyn, sons Ben, 38 and Joshua, 30, as well as daughter Jessica, 36 and four grandchildren.

His funeral service will be held at St John’s Church, Lytham on June 24 at 11.30am followed by a private cremation.

All friends are welcome at the church and to the reception afterwards to celebrate Christopher’s life.

Family flowers only please. Donations in his memory, if wished, to the Royal British Legion or envelopes will be available on the day.

For more information contact Horsfield and Family Funeral Directors, St Davids Road North, St Annes. FY8 2AT or call (01253) 781011.