Last updated at 13:59, Wednesday, 11 April 2012

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular villager who worked as the signalman at Askam railway station.

Phil Callister’s funeral was due to be held this afternoon at St Peter’s Church in Ireleth, followed by a service at Barrow crematorium.

The uncle-of-nine, of Furness Place, Askam, died aged 47 at Furness General Hospital on April 1 after a short illness.

Mr Callister grew up in Sharp Street, Askam, with his older siblings Sue and Steven and parents George and Gladys.

Sister Sue Kirkby said: “He was very loyal and would never say a wrong word about anybody. He was very honest and caring and he would do anything for anybody.

“He was so well liked and everybody knew him. Everybody he talked to, they never had a bad word about him.

“Anything you wanted doing, he would do it for you. And if he couldn’t help you, he knew someone who could.”

The former Askam Village School and Dowdales School pupil was a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan and an accomplished footballer.

Following in their dad’s footsteps, Mr Callister and brother Steven played football for Askam United, and both played Sunday league for the Vulcan pub.

Mr Callister, a centre forward, also played for Barrow Reserves.

In his working life, Mr Callister completed his apprenticeship as a pipefitter in Barrow shipyard.

He later worked at Sellafield, Barrow gas terminal and Colony Candles in Lindal, but was best known as the signaller in Askam station box, where he worked for around seven years.

Mr Callister’s family said they been comforted by the number of cards and well wishes they have received.

Brother Steven, a well-known darts player who owns the Furness Tavern, in Askam, said: “I’ve got loads of childhood memories of us growing up together, smashing doors and windows and all sorts, and pulling curtain rails off the walls playing Superman.

“We will just miss him, just not having him around.”

First published at 13:14, Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Published by http://www.askamlocal.co.uk