Hundreds mourn Big John as priest says: 'I've never seen so many at a funeral in my life'

Former butcher and lifelong rugby fan John, from Blackbrook, died from complications following an operation on his gall bladder on Tuesday, October 1, aged 52.

Arriving at the crematorium today, all you could see was a sea of mourners, who packed out the service, standing against the walls and sharing seats, with hundreds more having to wait outside.

Hundreds attended the funeral, including the junior players of Thatto Heath Crusaders who he coached

The dad-of-two, who formerly owned Big John's Butchers on Chain Lane shopping precinct, most recently worked for A2B Taxis and was a regular at Saints and Thatto Heath rugby league matches.

Representatives from all the above attended the funeral, with the junior team from Thatto Heath Crusaders standing at the front of the crematorium, many in tears.

During the service the priest Father Terrence Dooley, said: “I’ve never in my life seen so many at a funeral, his family must be eternally grateful for so many people coming out to remember Big John. It’s an impossible day for you all but there are so many people celebrating your dad's, brother's, son's and friend's life.

"We question why such a good man is gone at such an early age. But also how such a good man had such an influence on people from all walks of life shown here today.

"If a good life means anything, it should show rewards in eternal life and that’s shown today.

"It’s unbelievable the amount of people who have come to pay tribute to John. “It must be a comfort to the family. A day of sorrow yes but also a day of great joy at how loved this good person was.”

Eulogy's were delivered by John's friends Perry Kenyon and Mike Woods, who had mourners in tears and crying with laughter sharing stories of John and the love he had for his children Charlotte, 20 and Harry, 12.

Processional music was Photograph by Ed Sheeran and Recessional music was Everton's Z Cars.