WEEK 42

Holy Trinity Church, Dalton

Leonard George Briggs, born in Rotherham, is my fourth cousin and son of George T. Briggs and Phyllis Brunt. Below is a newspaper article(s) published shortly after his death.

THE SOUTH YORKSHIRE AND ROTHERHAM ADVERTISER, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17TH, 1966

GIFT FOR YOUTH PROJECT INSTEAD OF A WREATH

Neighbours of a 19-years old Rotherham youth, who died of cancer on Monday have started a collection for a project at the Dalton Parish Church Youth Club, an organisation which the youth, Leonard George Briggs, of 143, Herringthorpe Valley Road, East Herringthorpe, Rotherham, always supported.

The collection, which will probably be used to help to purchase a Land Rover for the youth club, was first intended to buy flowers for Leonard’s funeral yesterday, but his mother, Mrs. Phyllis Briggs, decided that the money would be far better spent buying something of lasting use to the youth club.

Rotherham Hospital

Mrs. Briggs told “The Advertiser” this week: “When the collection was first started among the neighbours, it was intended to buy a wreath for Leonard’s funeral, but after having a word with the Rev. Peter Challen, we decided that the money would be of far more use if it was put towards some youth project. As my son took a great deal of interest in the Dalton Parish Youth Club, it was thought that this would be the best place for the money”

Leonard, who died at his home, had been an Able Seaman with the Royal Navy, and developed cancer while abroad. In January of this year, he was discharged from the Royal Navy Hospital, Portsmouth, where he had been receiving treatment, and was admitted to the Rotherham Hospital, Doncaster Gate. In February, he was allowed home, but after a short time was taken to the Sheffield Royal Infirmary.

VERY HAPPY

After two weeks, Leonard was once again allowed home, where he spent most of his time practising for the driving test which he had hoped to take next year: “We never told him the nature of his illness as we did not want to worry him unduly. In fact, right to the end he was very happy and had even made plans for a camping holiday in Scotland next year”.

Rotherham Crematorium

Leonard received an honourable discharge from the Navy in September, along with a report of his excellent character and the Borneo Star for fighting in Vietnam and Singapore.

He was educated at the High Greave Primary School and Spurley Hey Secondary School. He was also a member of the Eastwood View Working Men’s Club. He leaves his mother, father, two brothers and two sisters.

Cremation took place at Rotherham yesterday, following a service at the Dalton Parish Church, conducted by the Rev. P. Challen.

BRIGGS. – Leonard George, aged 19 years: ex-Royal Navy, eldest son of George and Phyllis Briggs (nee Brunt), and beloved brother of Lynn, Gerald, Carol and David; passed peacefully away after much suffering, December 12th.

Reunited with Grandma and Aunty Dot.

Beautiful memories woven in gold. This is the memory we tenderly hold.

BRIGGS. – Leonard, aged 19 years, passed peacefully away after much suffering, December 12th at home, 134, Valley Road. Beloved nephew of Margaret and Lol, and a beloved grandson of George and the late Dolly.

BRIGGS. – Leonard George, beloved nephew of Nora and George, dear cousin of Steven and Philip.

BRIGGS. – Leonard George.

Never to be forgotten.

Grandad and Grandma Brunt.