Hundreds pay tribute to former Blackpool FC stadium announcer

The 64-year-old died suddenly on holiday in Italy.

Funeral director Chris was the man behind the microphone at the football club until 2006 when he retired.

St John the Evangelist RC Church, Poulton was overflowing on Saturday as family, colleagues and friends paid glowing tributes to the larger-than-life character.

The service was relayed by loudspeaker to scores of people outside the church - many of whom were wearing the tangerine colours of his beloved Blackpool FC.

Blackpool FC owner Owen Oyston was among the mourners. The service heard that Chris “lit up a room” with his personality and humour.

Parish priest Fr John Walsh said Chris was a good man and a good friend to everyone.

He said: “It’s the saddest of days for all of us - for his family and all who knew him.

“It will be difficult to find a man like Chris again.

“He was a very good friend to me too and I shall miss him very much.”

Chris was raised and lived in Poulton and was well known to all in the area as a funeral director, and beyond through his work at Blackpool FC.

His son, also Chris, said his dad lit up the room with his personality and sense of humour.

His personal touch was appreciated by all bereaved families he dealt with.

To laughter, Chris joked: “He would have loved this, wouldn’t he? There’s a sea of Tangerine.

“As Blackpool fans we’re not used to such a big crowd.”

Chris junior said his dad was “a diamond of a man. He was unique.”

Chris senior was the stadium announcer at Bloomfield Road for 28 years until 2006 and led a fundraising campaign to have a statue of 1953 FA Cup Final hat-trick hero Stan Mortensen put up outside the ground.

Chris senior also leaves a widow Kate and daughter Claire.