Much loved painter and decorator died after years of exposure to …
A keen snooker player and walker died at his home surrounded by his family after being exposed to asbestos during his working life.
Derek Shenton had worked as a painter and decorator for what was then called Rawtenstall[1] Corporation and later for Lancashire County Council[2] from 1964 to 1997 when he retired. Last September Derek, who was born in Rossendale[3], underwent a biopsy which revealed he had malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was often used in construction as well as ship-building and lagging heating pipes because of its fire-resistant and insulating properties.
Just four months later Derek, aged 86, passed away at his home in Burnley[4] Road on January 12 with his family by his side. An inquest held on Wednesday (March 29) heard that the cause of death was given as mesothelioma.
Reading from a statement by Derek’s son, Michael Area Coroner Richard Taylor said: “He tells me that back in the 70s and 80s my father was employed as a painter and decorator by the local council authority where he firmly believes that it was during this period of employment[5] where his exposure to asbestos occurred while working on guttering in the local area.”
The inquest heard that Derek received a one-off mesothelioma compensation payment from the government as well as an industrial injuries payment. The coroner said: “It is more likely than not that having contracted mesothelioma that he will have been exposed to asbestos. However, whilst HMRC confirmed his employment with Rawtenstall Corporation through to Lancashire[6] County Council from 1964 to 1997 there doesn’t seem to be sufficient evidence as to how, when or where he was exposed to asbestos.
“That no doubt will be tested in any compensation claim that may be made. What I can say at best is to return a narrative conclusion and say that Derek Shenton died at his home on January 12, 2023, having been exposed to asbestos. However, how, where and when that occurred cannot be better determined.”
The funeral notice published after Derek’s death said: “A beloved husband to Megan, much loved father to Michael and Lyndsey, and a very dear grandad to Alex, Joe, Amy and Jodie. Derek’s family would like to express their gratitude to Bacup[7] District Nurses and Rossendale Hospice for the warmth, care, and dignity they showed Derek during his final months.
“Derek was a very keen walker and took great joy in his later years from playing snooker and bowls at his beloved CPA Club where he was well known and loved by many.”
References
- ^ Rawtenstall (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Lancashire County Council (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Rossendale (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Burnley (www.lancs.live)
- ^ employment (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
- ^ Bacup (www.lancs.live)