Moving tribute planned to remember Wigan dad on his final journey

Dave Crowther was just 50 when he died suddenly on April 8 from a suspected heart attack.

A funeral will be held on Tuesday at St Thomas’ Church in Golborne, but only 10 people are allowed to go due to the rules imposed during the coronavirus lockdown.

So his family are asking for people to line Heath Street to pay their respects, as Dave makes his final journey from his mother’s home on Barton Street to the church.

As he was a dedicated Liverpool FC fan, everyone is encouraged to wear a club shirt or scarf, wave a flag or just wear something red.

The funeral starts at 11am, so the hearse is expected to travel along Heath Street between 10.30am and 10.45am.

People are reminded to follow social distancing guidelines and stand two metres apart.

His sister-in-law, Michelle Brown-Crowther, said many people wanted to go to the funeral but would not be able to, so this was a way for them to pay their respects to Dave.

“It will be a lovely tribute to see a sea of Liverpool tops, scarves, flags along the streets to honour him. David would love that,” she said.

She thanked everyone for their love and support since his death.

More than £6,000 has been donated to an online appeal set up to pay for Dave’s funeral and help support his three children – Kenny, 29, Albie, 11, and eight-year-old Imogen.

Born and bred in Golborne, Dave was the son of Doreen and Albert and had three brothers.

He had numerous jobs, including transporting people from prison to court and working in a butcher’s shop.

He was a dedicated supporter of Liverpool FC, attending his first match at the age of 10 with his brother Alan, and going on to have a season ticket for more than 30 years.

Dave also loved music, particularly house music, and was described by Michelle as being “fun and always opinionated” as well as “a proper joker”.

It is hoped a large celebration of his life can be held once the coronavirus pandemic is over.