Mourners gather for funeral of Chissie (From Warrington Guardian)

Mourners gather for funeral of Chissie

11:22am Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

ST HELENS Parish Church was packed to the rafters for the funeral of former Warrington, Saints and Great Britain prop forward Dave Chisnall, who died earlier this month at the age of 64.

Although there was big turnout from the rugby league community, the strong theme of the service was Dave as a family man, with a moving tribute delivered by his close friend John McGinn and some touching poems and tales read out on behalf on his grandchildren.

Rugby league had played such a big part of Chissy’s life as a player and coach and that was reflected by the congregation with past players from Warrington and St Helens in attendance.

Complementing a big turnout from his large and close knit family in the congregation were former teammates and a sprinkling of old adversaries which included Mike Nicholas, Alex Murphy, Ken Kelly, Tommy Martyn snr, Mike Peers, Kevin Ashcroft, Bobby Wanbon, Paul Cullen, Ray French, Chris Arkwright, Billy Benyon, Steve and Eric Prescott, Andy Gregory, Jim Mills and Roy Mathias.

On leaving the church, Dave’s coffin was given a guard of honour by several of his former Warrington teammates.