Family of Rothwell's Alan Mills share their memories of the man loved by so many

The family of Alan Mills have shared their memories of the man who was known and loved by so many.
Alan Mills as the bailiff in 2015Alan Mills as the bailiff in 2015
Alan Mills as the bailiff in 2015

Alan Mills was born in Broughton but he and wife Karen moved to Rothwell in 1997, which is where he also relocated his stone mason business, A J Mills, to in 2000.

He was father to Lloyd, Jordan and Casey, and loved being a grandad to his two grandchildren, especially with another two on the way.

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Alan’s children have shared some of their memories of their dad following his death last Thursday.

Alan Mills back in 2007Alan Mills back in 2007
Alan Mills back in 2007

Son Lloyd said: “Dad’s business moved here shortly after 2000 and over the years he became more and more involved in the town, he was into everything.

“He just loved the town, he loved the community and the fellowship of being part of it.”

Lloyd said his dad genuinely loved the town and would always talk fondly about it when he was away, especially on their trips to America.

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His son said they had received an ‘overwhelming number of cards and comments’ from people who knew Alan and added: “I think the people of Rothwell loved him as much as he loved them.

Alan Mills in front of the Market House, Rothwell, in 2010Alan Mills in front of the Market House, Rothwell, in 2010
Alan Mills in front of the Market House, Rothwell, in 2010

“He was always positive and always helped people.

“I think people will miss his friendship and personality.”

Alan was elected to Rothwell Town Council in 2007 and to Kettering Council in 2011, but he was known and loved for far more than just his role as a councillor.

He had been due to become mayor of Kettering next May, a role he had been looking forward to after enjoying being mayor of Rothwell in the past.

Alan performing at Gedd-Stock 2009 at The White Hart pub in GeddingtonAlan performing at Gedd-Stock 2009 at The White Hart pub in Geddington
Alan performing at Gedd-Stock 2009 at The White Hart pub in Geddington

He was heavily involved in Rowell Fair, taking on the role of bailiff in 2015.

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He was a member of Kettering Huxlow Rotary Club and was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest accolades given out by the Rotary Club, in recognition of his charity work earlier this year.

Another passion was rock ‘n’ roll music and he had been performing in bands since the mid to late-70s.

Alan was a founder member of the band Coast to Coast, which is best known for its 1981 Top 10 hit in the UK with “(Do) The Hucklebuck”.

Alan Mills back in 2007Alan Mills back in 2007
Alan Mills back in 2007

Lloyd said his dad was a great singer and sang at each of his children’s weddings.

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He was still performing up until February this year when he took to the stage in front of 500 people at Wicksteed Park.

Alan first fell ill with the brain tumour in July 2013, but his family say he never complained and he remained positive and upbeat throughout his treatment, even when he was told the cancer had come back last Christmas Eve.

Jordan said: “He never once complained, even when we were convinced he was in pain, he said he wasn’t.

“He never moaned.”

Casey said her dad changed his diet and his lifestyle completely after his diagnosis, and they believe this gave him more time with the family than the doctors had predicted.

Alan Mills in front of the Market House, Rothwell, in 2010Alan Mills in front of the Market House, Rothwell, in 2010
Alan Mills in front of the Market House, Rothwell, in 2010
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His daughter added: “What I will miss is just him, his presence and his character.

“He got up on stage at my wedding last year and everyone got up to dance.”

While Alan was well-known for his business, his politics and his music, Jordan said a recent conversation with his dad revealed that his real pride was living in Rothwell and being part of the Rothwell community.

Jordan said: “He was all for the town.”

Lloyd described his dad as a ‘larger than life character’ with a great sense of humour and said he never gave up after being diagnosed, putting up a strong fight right until the end.

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Alan had just turned 61 when he died on July 21, which was three years to the day that he first fell ill with the brain tumour and also Casey’s birthday.

The funeral is taking place at 12.30pm on Monday, August 8, at Holy Trinity Church in Rothwell.

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