Friends and family of cricket legend Cecil Wright gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to the star during a funeral service at St. Jame’s Church in Thornham.
More than 300 guests, including those from the cricket community, attended the service described as “a great send-off” last Thursday.
His son Courtney (61), said: “It was more of a celebration, and we are happy with the send-off my father received.”
The 91-year-old started his cricketing career in 1959 with Crompton Cricket Club and he became a veteran of the Lancashire leagues before finally retiring at the age of 85.
The Jamaican-born cricketer played his last match for Uppermill in September 2019 in a career that saw him take more than 4,000 wickets over six decades.
Courtney paid an emotional tribute to his father, describing him as a role model, who he could have a laugh with.
He said: “I played cricket with him. We used to follow Oldham Athletics. He was a great man, good father and a happy go lucky guy, who didn’t get involved in political or racial issues.”
Born in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, in 1933, the fast bowler played one first class match for Jamaica before moving to England in 1959, where he played semi-professionally in Lancashire alongside some of the greats of the game including Gary Sobers and Viv Richards.
His career also saw him play for Crompton, Colne, Astley Bridge, and Walsden.
Last year he officially opened an exhibition entitled West Indians in the Lancashire Leagues at Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club.
The father-of-three, who was married to Enid for 60 years, died at home in Royton, Oldham, on March 30, where he had been receiving palliative care from Dr Kershaw's Hospice.
He was buried at Royton Cemetery.
Man Arrested In Connection With Murder
Bin charges round up
Step into wonderland at the Purple Heart Wishes charity ball
Royton postmaster’s campaign for new bank services
