Mourners are invited to wear bright colours and take flowers to the funeral of a pensioner found after a police search
Funeral details have been announced for a pensioner whose body was tragically found days after he was reported missing.
The body of 71-year-old Dwaine Akkermans was discovered in a pond in Haigh on Tuesday, April 21, after several days of searching by the police.
Bolton’s Funerals have now published details of his funeral service and are asking people to wear brightly coloured clothes to celebrate his life.
A post on Facebook said: “Funeral service and homecoming celebration to be held Friday, May 8 at St David’s Church at 10am. Followed by burial in the churchyard.
“Please wear bright colours to reflect this celebration.
“All flowers welcome, especially wild flowers.
“Refreshments will be offered following the service at Aspull Methodist Church, Wigan Road, Aspull, Wigan WN2 1PP.”
Police began searching for Mr Akkermans on Friday, April 17 and made several appeals for help from the public to find him.
He was last seen in the Ratcliffe Road area of Aspull, but it was thought he may have travelled to Whittle-le-Woods, in Chorley.
His family and police officers were becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare and asked walkers in rural areas to look out for him.
But the search was brought to an end with the sad discovery of his body.
A statement released by Chorley police at the time said: “Dwayne was last seen in the Ratcliffe Road area of Aspull, near Wigan, on April 17.
“Since that time, we have carried out extensive enquiries to locate Dwayne, including CCTV, house to house and other enquiries.
“However, yesterday afternoon we were called following reports a man had been found deceased in a pond in Haigh, Wigan.
“Whilst formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe it to be Mr Akkermans. His family are aware of the update and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.
“The investigation into the death is being led by our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police.
“Thank you to everybody who shared our appeals or came forward with information to assist in our search. While this is not the outcome anyone would have wished for, your help is always greatly appreciated.”
Anyone with inquiries regarding the funeral can contact Bolton’s on 01942 831262 or [email protected].