From former club managers to shipyard workers, we have taken a look back at some of the beloved people who died in 2023.

Lionel Duffin

The Mail: Legendary Barrow goalkeeper dies aged 77.Legendary Barrow goalkeeper dies aged 77. (Image: Submitted)Lionel Duffin died at Aldingham Care Home in January several years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, aged 77. He played for the Bluebirds between 1964 and 1978.

The former shipyard worker was known as "The Cat" because of his agility and ability to overcome his 5ft 8ins height and dominate the goal area.

Son John Duffin, a revered artist, said his father was a "local hero" who would be "greatly missed".

Read more here.

Ann Oxley 

The Mail: Mrs Ann Oxley.Mrs Ann Oxley. (Image: Submitted)The wife of the founder of Oxley Group, who was known for her strong leadership and commitment to growing the business, died on the Isle of Man on Saturday, March 18, aged 87.

She married Freddy Oxley, the founder of the Oxley Group, in 1968 and for the next 20 years she worked with him developing the business. Following Freddy’s death in 1988, Ann became chairman of Oxley Group and later took up the role of Life President.

Read more here.

Holly Lambert 

The Mail: Holly Lambert.Holly Lambert. (Image: Submitted)

Holly was found unconscious in the area of Ulverston’s County Square shortly before 1.30am on February 20.

A much-loved daughter and sister, Holly lived in Ulverston and had links to Burnley. She was due to marry her partner this year.

At the time of her death, Holly’s family and her partner released a tribute, describing her as the ‘life and soul of the party, lighting up every room she walked into’.

Read more here.

Brian Jackson

The Mail: Brian Jackson as a young man.Brian Jackson as a young man. (Image: Heather Kelk)Brian Jackson died at Furness General Hospital in April aged 84 due to complications after falling and breaking his femur. 

Brian was well known in the community as he worked various jobs until retiring at 70. He was also involved in amateur theatre groups and societies, and in 2019 the Theatre Factory even invited him onto a panel to discuss his life in a show called A Rather Queer Evening. 

Read more here.

Chris Lewis 

The Mail: Chris Lewis died at Furness General hospital.Chris Lewis died at Furness General hospital. (Image: Submitted)Patterdale Mountain Rescue team member Chris Lewis was admitted to Furness General Hospital in Barrow on September 2 with a chest infection and pneumonia and died two days later.

Mr Lewis sustained life-changing injuries when he fell 150m on rough, steep ground while responding to a call from wild campers who broke coronavirus lockdown restrictions, at Red Screes, above Kirkstone Pass in February 2021. 

Read more here.

Kara-Leigh Wilkinson

The Mail: Kara-Leigh passed away in August.Kara-Leigh passed away in August. (Image: Submitted)Kara-Leigh Wilkinson died at the age of 29 in September.

The Barrow-born mum was part of the team at Barrow Underground Music Scene (BUMS), where she shared her love for music and arts.

She pursued a degree at Salford University, studying Artist and Venue Management, but she still remained an integral part of the venue.

Read more here.

Ray Southall

The Mail: Apart from his involvement in the union, Mr Southall did community work, including being a volunteer in the charity MIND in Barrow.Apart from his involvement in the union, Mr Southall did community work, including being a volunteer in the charity MIND in Barrow. (Image: Submitted)

Ray Southall, from Barrow, died on October 16 in Furness General Hospital at the age of 80-years-old.

He was a 'well-known' Union Representative for the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staffs (ASTMS), Manufacturing, Science and Finance (MSF) and, latterly, leader of the Unite Union in the shipyard. 

Mr Southall continued doing union work ten years after he retired, where he was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Unite Union and an SIPS Pension Trustee. 

Read more here.

Paul Bryden

The Mail: Paul Bryden was well known across Furness for his involvement in local groups and his passion for music.Paul Bryden was well known across Furness for his involvement in local groups and his passion for music. (Image: Walney Junior Amateur Operatic Society)Paul Bryden was well known across Furness for his involvement in local groups and his passion for music. 

He died at his home at the age of 75 on October 4.

Production director of Walney Junior Amateur Operatic Society Mark Johnson remembered Mr Bryden as an 'extremely talented man' when it came to music.

Read more here.

Derek Porter

The Mail: Derek Porter.Derek Porter. (Image: Dalton United)Derek Porter died on November 14 at the age of 87 which led to numerous messages from people in the community remembering the difference he made.

Mr Porter was Dalton United's manager when they won the West Lancashire League First Division in back-to-back seasons in the 1983/84 and 1984/85 campaigns.

Read more here.

Olive Clarke

The Mail: Olive Clarke passed away in December.Olive Clarke passed away in December. (Image: Archive)

101-year-old Olive Clarke, who held an OBE among other accolades, was involved in Cumbria Young Farmers since 1938 and was described as being a part of its very fabric from its early days.

Read more.