FAMILY, friends and rugby league fans have said their goodbyes to Peter Clarke today.
The former Rochdale Hornets, Blackpool Borough, Swinton Lions, Huddersfield Giants, Wigan Warriors and Bramley hooker, left his Latchford home and neighbouring streets with people wearing their rugby club's colours lined up and respectfully applauding his life and achievements as the funeral cortege passed by.
A private service then took place at Walton Lea Crematorium.
Peter, who led Crosfields to glory in the BARLA National Cup in 1989 and enjoyed other coaching roles at Trafford Borough, Latchford Albion, Laporte and Weaverham Rangers, died at home, aged 75, on Tuesday, February 23, after an illness (not Covid-19).
The great-grandfather, who celebrated his Golden Wedding Anniversary with wife Pat seven years ago, was father to Graham, Debbie and Colin.
Peter worked in the building trade from the day he left Bewsey and then Orford Second Modern Schools until his retirement.
During his playing career, Peter was a member of the first Blackpool side to gain promotion to the top flight, while he also won promotions and reached finals of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy and Player’s No6 Trophy with Rochdale.
> Son Graham pays tribute to Peter's rugby league career and life
Rugby league has always been in the family, as Peter’s dad Joe coached at Crosfields and his three brothers all played professionally – Jim at Huddersfield, Doug at Warrington and Leigh, Gordon at Warrington and Barrow.
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