PEOPLE lined the streets and gathered outside Walton Crematorium today, Friday, to pay their last respects to one of Warrington's best known characters.
Chris Culleton – known as Finnie to his family but the 'Longford Lover' to most – died on May 21 at Warrington Hospital after a period of illness. He was 83.
Chris Culleton's funeral
Only immediate family could attend the funeral at 1pm due to Covid rules.
But a procession was arranged so that mourners could say goodbye to the well loved character and music lover who brought Rolling Stones to Parr Hall and Deep Purple to the Red Lion. He was also well known as a DJ at the likes of the Carlton Club.
Chris Culleton's funeral
The hearse passed the Red Lion and Mulberry Tree pubs in Stockton Heath after the Chapel of Rest where people were waiting to doff their cap.
The family were then collected at the Park Royal Hotel in Stretton for Chris's final journey to Walton where many more well wishers were waiting. They applauded as the hearse arrived at the crematorium.
Chris Culleton's funeral
His son Ben, a British Army Major based in Andover, Hampshire, was among the coffin bearers.
At the time of Chris's death, Ben said: “My dad put Warrington on the music map in the 60s. Then he was mainly a DJ in the 70s and I’ll always remember the children’s discos that he used to do at Warrington Rugby Union Football Club in Appleton every Friday.
Chris Culleton's funeral
“That was a massive part of my childhood and I’ve got very fond memories of it. I’m sometimes referred to as a man of few words but he wasn’t – he was very outspoken and very loving.
“We didn’t live together but he would make an effort to see me every weekend.
Chris Culleton's funeral
“I always enjoyed my weekends with him. They were magical times. He did everything he could for me and that was also true of his neighbours and friends.
“He didn’t have a lot but he would give his last penny for you whether you were family or not.”
Chris was one of the town’s best known Warringtonians and got his nickname, the Longford Lover, due to his well documented success with women before his marriage.
But Chris then became a family man with three grandchildren and one great grandchild.
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