A FORMER Lymm Grammar School pupil, who became the first managing director of airline Emirates, was laid to rest in the town on Friday.
Friends and family gathered at St Mary's Church, on Buttermarket Street, for the funeral service of Sir Maurice Flanagan, who died aged 86.
The former Grappenhall resident passed away peacefully at his London home on May 7.
A former manager at British Airways (BA), Sir Maurice became director and general manager of Dnata in 1978, the ground services company serving Dubai's airport.
He was approached in 1985 to lead a 10-man team charged with launching Emirates
Sir Maurice helped get the Dubai-based airline off the ground on its way to becoming the Middle East's biggest carrier.
He retired as executive vice chairman of the airline's parent company Emirates Group in 2013.
Wreaths and flowers were beautifully presented at the service, along with messages for Sir Maurice, next to his coffin.
One message, from the Emirates Group, said: "With all our dearest love in memory of dear Maurice."
A note from the UK's Emirates team labelled him as a 'true friend, gentleman and inspiration'.
Arsenal FC, which is sponsored by Emirates, also left a heartfelt message for the former Liverpool University student.
"We will make sure his memory lives on here at Arsenal, from the board players and staff at Arsenal FC," it said.
Prior to taking on his role at Emirates, Sir Maurice spent 25 years with BA and the British Overseas Airways Corporation.
A memorial service is set to be taking place in the coming week in London to celebrate the life of Sir Maurice.
