Tributes paid to former CID Head

FORMER Head of Oldham CID Robert Boustead

A FAMILY are urging colleagues of a former Head of Oldham CID who passed away recently to join them at his funeral.

Former Head of Oldham Criminal Investigations Department Robert Boustead passed away peacefully in hospital aged 85 years on November 7.

Robert spent 31 years serving the force and also became a Detective Superintendent.

Born in Cumbria, Robert started his police career in 1955 when he joined the Lancashire Force, serving in Kirkham, Fleetwood, Westhoughton, Horwich, Penwortham, Bury and Bolton.

In 1969 he joined the Oldham force and was in charge of the Oldham CID sub-division until 1975.

After a brief stint as CID Chief at Plant Hill Police station, Blackley, he returned to the borough as Head of Oldham CID in 1976.

After leaving the force Robert kept busy by working with Ladbrokes to investigate fraud and also ran the Moss Inn in Heyside.

As well as enjoying his work, Robert was a keen rugby fan and enjoyed spending time on his allotment.

He was a beloved husband to Marian and the late Dorothy and a loving dad, grandad and great-grandad to his sons Stephen and Ken and step-sons Tim, Nigel and Simon and their families.you

Stephen Boustead, said: "He was a happy sort, he very much enjoyed his work. He enjoyed his rugby and played prop for a number of years.

"He was very good at his job and GMP would tell you the same, he was very well thought of and he was very good friends with the Chief Constable at the time."

He said: "He liked helping people. He enjoyed his life. He worked hard all his life but enjoyed his time as a police officer and later on in life enjoyed his retirement."

He added: "It would be nice to see as many of his friends and colleagues as possible to join us at the funeral."

The funeral takes place on November 23 with a service at St John the Baptist Church (12.30pm) followed by committal at Oldham Crematorium (2pm).