Howard William Tweats “Charlie”

“Sad are the hearts that love you, Silent are the tears that fall.”

Howard sadly passed away at South Cheshire Hospital on 16th July aged 81 years.

Loving husband of Irene. Cherished Dad of the late Michelle.  Devoted Grandad of Danielle & Lauren and Great Grandad of Riley, Archie, Arlo & Noah.

Howard may be remembered for working at Crewe Works, the White Lion on Ford Lane & the Pioneers Club on Underwood Lane.

His funeral took place on Thursday 29th July at Crewe Crematorium Chapel.

To offer your condolences please place them on our website or telephone our Funeral Home on 01270 584447

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Born on 10th June 1940, Howard was the only child born to his parents Hilda and Joe. Although he
had no siblings, as a toddler he met his best friend for life, Ray Owen and together they remained
the best of friends throughout their lives.
Howard attended Brierley Street School and then like many of his generation he progressed into
Crewe Works and the training school as an apprentice fitter. He remained in the works for over 30
years.
In 1957 Howard and Irene met at a dance at the LMR Club – Irene was just 15 years old but she was
smitten by Howard – telling her friend Jean who was with her that she really fancied him. Jean took
the initiative and told Howard how Irene felt about him. They walked home together that night –
Howard was a perfect gentleman I understand but there was an instant spark between them. They
courted, fell in love and were finally married on 18th March 1961and began to build their home
together. They delighted in each other’s company for four years, before they were blessed with the
safe delivery of their daughter Michelle.
Howard and Irene were together for over 64 years – like all couples there were ups and downs, but
they had a strength that would see them through the worst of times.
In 1984 Howard and Irene undertook a career change – taking on the license at the White Lion on
Ford Lane. Irene told me that the years they spent there were very happy times and through their
hard work and determination they turned the fortunes of the pub around. They made many friends
with customers becoming form friends.
With the turning of the years, their family grew once more with the arrival of grandchildren Danielle
and Lauren. Howard and Irene delighted in their new roles as grandparents and they supported
Michelle and Phil in ever aspect of the upbringing of her girls – they taught them right from wrong,
taught them how to use a knife and fork correctly, Howard taught them how to ride their bikes and
if homework became too difficult, they would help to unravel the problems.
Most recently another generation of children have joined the family – great grandchildren Riley,
Archie, Arlo and Noah have been welcomed into the family. Each of them has been a joy to Howard
and Irene – always keeping them on their toes, but always keeping them busy and smiling.
Howard and Irene left the White Lion in 1999 and Howard took a position at the Pioneers Club. Sadly
there was a dark cloud on the horizon. In 2012 their beloved daughter Michelle passed away – this
was followed in 2013 with Howard receiving a diagnosis for Parkinsons disease. Howard was
determined to face it down and up until the last twelve months the family came together to ensure
that he was able to live his life in the best way he could. Despite his failing health Howard was well
enough to attend a small celebration for their Diamond Wedding.
Throughout his life he was always particular about his appearance, he was always well turned out,
never going out without a clean shirt and tie. He was old school- there was a right way to do things
and manners never cost anything but were always important to him.
Over the years Howard and Irene remained firm friends with Ray and his wife Shirley. They enjoyed
their times together making lots of happy memories. Irene and the girls would like to thank Ray and
Shirley for all their love, support and friendship over the years.
Throughout his life Howard was a huge Manchester United Fan, every year he and Ray used to go to
Old Trafford for the “Old Boys Reunion.” They would sit in the company of their footballing heroes
and listen to their reminiscing about the good old days.

In their spare time Irene and Howard enjoyed holidays. They travelled to the Mediterranean visiting
many beautiful places, but one particular break in Turkey could have ended in disaster when they
experienced an earthquake. The story is frightening to say the least but thankfully they lived through
it to tell the tale.
St Ives in Cornwall was their favourite UK destination, they holidayed there for 20 years, and every
March there was always a trip to Blackpool. Sadly over the last 16 months that has been impossible
and now there will be an empty chair at the table – but trips will be taken again because that is what
Howard would have wanted you to do.

May he rest in peace.