Hero Harry gets a fitting farewell
HUNDREDS ATTEND FUNERAL OF 96-YEAR-OLD VETERAN FOLLOWING APPEAL
HUNDREDS of strangers paid their respects to a war veteran after fears no mourners would turn up to his funeral.
A social media campaign – backed by former Coronation Street star Charlie Lawson – resulted in a huge wave of support to honour Royal Marine veteran Harry Wheeler, who died aged 96.
More than 300 people attended his funeral at Macclesfield Crematorium on Thursday.
Harry’s coffin was draped in a Union Jack flag after arriving in a horse drawn carriage behind a military piper.
The Rev Thomas Crisp, who led the service, paid tribute to those who took the time to honour Harry.
In a eulogy written by friend Mike Jeffers, Harry was described as an ‘extremely lovable man’ who crammed a lot into his life and was ‘an absolute joy to be around.’ The service concluded with The Last Post and Reveille.
As well as dozens of veterans from across the forces were representatives from the Royal Marines associations. Sgt Jim Lynskey, a staff instructor at Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside, said: “Although he lost his birth family and on paper is all alone, his other family from the Royal Marines were there in force. Once a Royal Marine, always a Royal Marine.” Cadets from Tytherington School, representatives from Cheshire Police and local dignitaries including Macclesfield councillors Liz Durham, Janet Jackson and Gareth Jones also paid their respects. Harry was born in September 1920 and trained to be a joiner and then master carpenter. At some point during his life Harry played for Manchester United’s reserve team. He served in the Royal Marines Harry Wheeler served in the Royal Marines in the Second World War during the Second World War and was based for some time in Italy.
In 1945 Harry married his wife Enid and they had a daughter Susan.
The trio lived in Wilmslow and spent many happy holidays together, particularly in Spain.
Enid sadly passed away in 1997 and Susan in 2001.
Harry lived independently at his home in Lacey Green until two years ago before moving to Ashfields care home on Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, where he died on May 8.
Friends launched an appeal fearing Harry’s funeral would take place ‘without a soul in the world’ to remember him.
Following the funeral, Charlie Lawson tweeted: “Superb turnout for Royal Marine Harry Wheeler. Well done all ex service personnel and civvies.”