AROUND 80 council workers lined the route to Walton Lea Crematorium on Thursday to pay their respects to a man who ‘could do everything’.

Father of two Patrick Mannion, of Liverpool Road, died suddenly on April 8 from a brain haemorrhage.

His family, friends and colleagues flooded to the crematorium to celebrate the 46-year-old’s life.

Mr Mannion, who had worked for the council for 26 years and was a team leader in street services, was described as a ‘valued and respected member’ of the council team.

His wife, Tracey, said: “He was just a wonderful man and a lovely husband. He always tried to better himself and had just got his chainsaw licence. We all miss him a lot.”

Andy Farrall, director of economic regeneration, growth and environment at Warrington Borough Council, added: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Pat’s passing.

“Pat was a valued and respected member of the street services team who contributed to the work of the council in many ways.

“He was a popular member of the team and will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with Mrs Mannion and her family.”

One colleague, who spent many years working with Mr Mannion, added: “He was like a Swiss Army knife. He could do everything.”

His ex-partner Shirley Newman, aged 46, said: “He was nicknamed as Pat the Cat as he was always at work and he never had a day off.

“He was a grafter. Work was like a second home to him but it was more like his first as he was always there.”

Mr Mannion leaves behind his wife Tracey, two children, Hayley Pomfrett, aged 26, and Christopher Pomfrett, aged 18, and one grandson Logan Binns, aged 21 months.