Engine driver William Taylor, of Kirkby Stephen, has died at the age of 95.
He was born at Syke-Side Farm, Soulby, and lived there until the death of his father, William, in 1930.
Along with his mother Lena and his twin brother George, he moved to Winton, where he attended Winton School and later joined the staff of Braithwaites newsagents and printers in Kirkby Stephen.
William’s childhood ambition was to become an engine driver.
In 1941 he was accepted by the LNER (London and North Eastern Railway) as an engine cleaner at the Kirkby Stephen engine sheds, where he worked for 20 years.
Progressing from cleaner to fireman and later driver, he was a member of the station’s St John Ambulance crew.
As a keen team member, he competed in Midland Regions, being placed first on many occasions.
On the closure of the engine sheds in 1961, he and his wife Roberta and daughter Judith moved to Preston, where he continued as a driver at Lostock Hall until 1968, when the last steam engines were withdrawn from British Rail.
Mr Taylor continued his railway career at Preston’s diesel electric motive power department as a driver on the west coast main line, between Crewe and Glasgow.
Along with all local rail services during his footplate career, he passed over the summit of Stainmore, Aisgil, Shap and Beattock.
After 25 years of service to British Rail, he was given the gift of a clock. As a valued member of the St John Ambulance for 30 years, British Rail presented him with a television.
He retired just short of 50 years service in 1990.
Outside of his working life, Mr Taylor enjoyed gardening, bowling, walking and holidays, both at home and abroad.
He is survived by his two daughters, Judith and Frances.
