TODAY marks the second part of our special tribute edition to those lost to Covid-19 this year.
As we reach the end of 2020, a year filled with loss and pain for so many, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the devastation the virus has wrought - but also to remember the people behind the statistics.
The heartbreaking reality of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt in every corner of the district, with many lives taken too soon by the virus.
The Telegraph & Argus hopes this special edition will provide a comforting place for people to remember their loved ones lost to Covid-19 in a lasting tribute. Read the first of the tributes articles here.
Here are some of the people the district has sadly lost to coronavirus:
Tributes were paid to a highly-respected and much-loved figure in the ballroom dancing world following his death.
Jack Briggs, 95, who lived in Queensbury for most of his life, was still judging competitions into his nineties. He fell unexpectedly ill in 2018 and had not been in the best of health since then. He then fell ill in May with Covid-19.
His daughter, Jackie, described him as a “huge, proud, dominating, unbelievable man who has now left the biggest hole in my heart” and added that “Mr Invincible took his final bow”.
Ruth Hemingway, who worked for Hammonds sauce factory in Apperley Bridge, was remembered by her niece, Julie Neilson.
“She’s very missed by us all,” she said.
The family of Dennis Hodgson, 82, from Thornton, paid a touching tribute.
They said: “To an amazing dad, grandad and great grandad. You will be massively missed by all of us. To the funniest kindest most caring person. RIP. Your are with your beautiful wife again. Love you.”
There was a huge outpouring of grief at the death of Keighley Councillor Abid Hussain, former Lord Mayor of Bradford, who had been ill for several weeks, but sadly succumbed to Covid-19. The T&A was inundated with tributes following his death.
Among them was one from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, which said:
“He was selfless in his service to our town and treated everyone with love and respect. May our next generation follow his excellent example and legacy.”
Much-loved Jill Jacobs, 60, from Hunsworth, died in March, leaving behind three daughters, four grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way.
Her family said: “Our mum was larger than life, crazy, amazing and beautiful inside and out. We are not sure how we are going to live without you mum.
"Heaven truly does have an angel in the shape of our mum. Love you, Lisa, Vicky and Jade, your grandchildren Harry, Oliver, Erin and Ava and your great-granddaughter Esmé who you sadly never got to meet.”
Heartbreakingly, a brave 10-year-old from Bradford, who died in November, is thought to have been one of the youngest victims of Covid-19 in the UK.
Fehzan Jamil’s parents spoke of their “indescribable” pain following his death.
Speaking to Channel 4 News, Fehzan’s parents, Tayyaba and Mohammed Jamil, described their son as a “really brave fighter”.
His mother said: “I just can’t describe our loss. Everything feels empty now.”
Frank Murgatroyd, from Eccleshill, died at the age of 80 in May.
His son, Ross, said: “Not a day goes by without me thinking of you. I hope you’re looking after mum up there. The world has lost another good one to this awful virus.”
Allan Newall, 72, from Greengates, tragically died from Covid-19 just one month after his wife, Barbara, passed away following a battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
The couple had been married for 48 years and spent 35 years as foster carers, even winning an award for their dedicated work, which included providing a safe home for severely disabled children.
“They were great parents,” said their daughter Jude Greaves-Newall.
“They opened their home for lots and lots of people. They were just kind people. It is heartbreaking to lose them both so close together.”
Following her loss, she has found solace in the #loveforthelost yellow hearts groups on Facebook, which bring together people who have lost loved ones to Covid.
Rajnhold (Ron) Teodor Orant, from the Idle/Greengates area, died at the age of 91.
“A loving and very much loved dad,” said his family.
“Thinking of you and missing you each day, forever in our hearts. Janet, Nidge, Philip and Richard.”
Valentino Peverello, 79, from Eccleshill, of the Valentino Italian restaurant in Bingley, was described as the “best husband, dad and grandad anyone could ever ask for”.
His grandson, Alex Abid, said: “My grandad was a very kind, good-hearted person who really loved his family, he adored working at Valentino’s restaurant and even worked there before he passed away.
“He is missed by us all every day and our first Christmas/New Year without him is really heartbreaking at the moment.”
The family of Steven Raistrick paid a touching tribute. They said: “In memory of a much loved dad, father-in-law and grandad Steven Raistrick. Lost on Christmas Day 2020 to Covid-19. We didn’t get to say goodbye, but we will miss you everyday.”
Mohammad Riaz, 66, died in hospital with coronavirus symptoms.
He moved from Mirpur to Manningham aged eight with his father. He studied at Belle Vue Boys School before joining his father at a Keighley mill which made textiles.
His life found a new direction in 1981, when his lifelong friend handed him the keys to an empty unit in Hull, which later became a Kashmiri restaurant.
It was only in the days following his death that his family found out about his illustrious charity work around the globe.
His daughter Ansha said: “He never forgot his home town. He used to do charity work that we didn’t know about.
“We’ve had calls from all over the world. He’s going to be missed. He was the backbone of his family. He’s gone very soon.”
A heart-wrenching tribute was paid to 73-year-old Jennifer Robertshaw, from Eccleshill.
Her son, John, said: “Oh mum, our hearts still hurt, how cruel this virus took you away from us.
“A women of love and bravery, who fought until the end with dignity. You gave so much to your family, and yet we could not hold you in your hour of need.”
He added: “Sharon and me, and your grandchildren and great grandsons, truly miss you every day. A beautiful person who gave to her community and touched everyone who met her - mum you were my role model. Our family have lost two wonderful women to this virus, and your grandchildren have lost their grandmothers. This Christmas will be the hardest, and yet you said many times ‘life is for living’.”
Pat Robinson, 77, from Cottingley, passed away peacefully in hospital in April.
Her granddaughter, Samantha Burns, said: “I still can’t believe my lovely nanna was taken away from us.
“I miss her so much but her spirit and strength lives on in each of us and in the lives that she touched. She lives on in me and in all those who have been touched by her love and her strength. She was such a loving caring woman. Love you nanna.”
Robert Simpson, also known as Bobby, from Holme Wood, died in March, just 24 hours after being admitted to the Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Paying tribute, his family said: “He was a kind gentle man who liked nothing more but to be around his family and friends. He never asked for anything and didn’t like to burden anyone.”
They added: “Those we love never go away.
“They walk beside us every day. Always loved always missed. A special brother, uncle and friend.”
Tributes were also paid to a Bradford NHS office worker who died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Grandmother-of-eight Liz Shale, 61, worked as an administration manager in personalised commissioning at NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Michelle Turner, director of quality and nursing for the CCG, said: “Liz was a shining light within the CCG who had a smile and a kind word for everyone.”
Devoted grandfather David Smyth, of Otley, died aged 62 and it was only after his death that his family found out he had Covid-19.
He had been battling prostate cancer for nine years and was told it was terminal.
His wife Corinne, said: “He was such a loving and giving person, he would give you his last penny and go without.”
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