It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of Roger Howcroft, the proud third generation of Howcrofts Funeral Directors, who cared for the Skipton community with dedication, dignity, and kindness for many years.

Roger was born on 16th October 1945 to Jack and May Howcroft of Hurrs Road, Skipton — the middle child between his older sister Eileen and younger brother Andrew. His childhood was a happy one, full of simple pleasures, and it quickly became clear he had an entrepreneurial streak. Even as a boy, he was finding ways to serve the community — selling firewood to his Skipton neighbours.

At just 15 years old, Roger’s life changed forever when he spotted 13-year-old Lynn Schofield riding past on her pushbike. For Roger, it was love at first sight. From that moment, they were inseparable, building a partnership that would span decades. They married, and their love story grew with the arrival of their daughters, Debbie and later Vicki.

Roger’s working life began at Landis Lund in Skipton, before the family moved to Embsay and later to Broomfleet, East Yorkshire where he worked at Horstein Farmeries. Eventually, they returned to Skipton, and Roger stepped into the family business, working alongside his Uncle Geoffrey at Howcrofts Funeral Directors. Lynn worked right next door as the postmistress at Westmoreland Street Post Office — together, they formed a well-known and much-loved part of the town’s daily life.

For many years, home was on Regent Road. This was where Roger and Lynn built a home full of warmth, laughter, and hospitality. They became famous for their spectacular Christmas lights and for parties that are still talked about today. Roger’s pride in his home and garden was unmatched — his lawns were immaculate, and his attention to detail could be seen in every flowerbed. That same precision and care defined his work as a funeral director, where he supported countless families through difficult times with quiet professionalism and compassion.

One of Roger’s proudest moments came when he welcomed Vicki into the family business. They enjoyed working together tremendously, making a wonderful team. They shared the same sense of humour, often making each other laugh during even the busiest of days. Vicki will always be her Daddy’s girl, and their bond was truly special.

When Roger retired, he and Lynn fulfilled a dream by moving to Majorca. It was there, in the sunshine, that Roger enjoyed some of his happiest years — sharing a bottle of red wine (“Let it breathe, Lynn”), listening to his favourite music (The Eagles, Elvis Presley, Bread, the Bee Gees, and many more), and welcoming family and friends who came to visit. Every trip was made special by his ability to make people feel at home.

Roger’s greatest joy came from his family, and he was a proud and loving grandfather to Natalie, Luke, Lucy, Rosie, and Donnabhan. As his daughters built their own lives, his family circle grew — and he shared a warm and easy friendship with Vicki’s husband, Craig.

In later years, Roger and Lynn moved back to the UK, settling in Overdale Park, where they enjoyed a gentler pace of life. Even after Roger was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, his sense of humour, his perfectionism, and above all, his deep love for Lynn never faded. Her passing in 2021 was a profound loss, but his devotion to her was lifelong and unshakable.

Roger spent his final years at Craven Nursing Home, where he was surrounded by kindness and care from the wonderful staff who grew to love him. Even in his final days, he never lost that unmistakable twinkle in his eye.

This year brought a profound sadness when Roger’s eldest daughter Debbie passed away. Her loss was deeply felt, but the love between father and daughter remains everlasting.

He will be remembered as “the best of the best” — a man of integrity, warmth, and generosity, with a deep love for his family, an unfailing eye for detail, a mischievous sense of humour, and a heart that belonged to Lynn from the day he first saw her on that pushbike.

His legacy is one of love, laughter, and service to his community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.