Wigan grandfather given colourful rugby-themed goodbye

Graham McClarence died on May 15 after a battle with Covid-19 at the age of 82.

He spent his last years at Woodlands Court care home in New Springs and is survived by his four children, Lee, Shaun, Kerry and Kelly, as well as his many grandchildren.

A lifetime fan of Wigan Warriors, Graham was given a rugby-themed final journey on Wednesday afternoon. Friends and family members lined the streets wearing Wigan Warriors’ famous cherry and white colours for his funeral procession, which made its way to Ince Crematorium after setting off from Sullivan Way in Scholes - the street where Graham once lived, which is named after rugby legend Jim Sullivan.

Lee McClarence, Graham’s son, spoke at length about his father’s life.

He said: “He went working with his uncle Charlie in a cotton factory before going to Australia.

“He worked in Australia at a brewery, but decided to start getting into fast cars and speeding around. He got in a bit of trouble!

“So he came back to England and worked in Bickershaw Colliery from 1976 to 1981. He was very well liked and was always joking, he was a comedian. And he loved a drink with friends.”

Graham met future wife Francis in 1973 and they were married in 1974. They moved to Worsley Mesnes and in 1975 had their first child, Lee, followed by Shaun in 1976 and twin sisters Kerry and Kelly in 1981.

They were later brought up in Spring Street, and enjoyed going to rugby matches together at Central Park, as well as the occasional trip to Wembley.

Lee said: “He would always go to Morris Street labour club before the game and meet up with his friends.”

Graham left his job in the 1990s to become a full-time carer for Francis when she became ill. Sadly, she passed away in 1997.

“He loved all his family and his special little dog, Sandy,” said Lee.

“In 2012, he started becoming ill and was diagnosed with dementia.

“He went to live in Woodlands Court at New Springs in 2015. He was a real character with the carers!

“He also used to go to Kerry and Kelly’s on Sundays sometimes to see his grandkids.”

Lee added: “He had a great relationship with his son-in-law Kevin (husband to Kerry) who used to take him to car showrooms to look at the cars.

“He loved Christmas and being around his family and friends.”

On April 28, Graham went into hospital with symptoms of Covid-19, where his condition deteriorated quickly.

Graham died on May 15 at 3pm. Before his death, he was sent well wishes from former rugby players including Graeme West, Ian Gildart and Martin Offiah.

Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook also sent a message of support.

Graham’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, June 3. His family have arranged for his procession to leave from Sullivan Way in Scholes - the street where he once lived, which is named after rugby legend Jim Sullivan.

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