CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM ‘CHRIS’ BARRAS

THE funeral of Chris Barras has took place on April 19, his death having occurred peacefully at Halton Haven Hospice on April 2.

Chris’s ‘Celebration Of Life’ service, sensitively led by Celebrant Yvonne Hopkins, was held at Widnes Crematorium, which overflowed with family and friends, a fitting tribute to a much-loved partner, brother, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and loyal friend.

Chris was well known locally as a gifted musician and composer and it was his wish that the service included recordings of his compositions.

Chris was born on the Wirral and spent his first seven years in Wallasey, where his parents, Alex and Phyl, ran a newsagent’s shop. They lived near his maternal grandparents and Chris’s love of music was inherited from his grandfather William, a Bandmaster in the Army. The family moved to Runcorn, where Chris attended Weston County Primary School. He later attended Helsby Grammar School, succeeding academically, and also played Double Bass in the School Orchestra and the Cheshire Youth Orchestra. He and his pals caused a stir when they formed a ‘Rock’n’Roll’ group, loved by the pupils, particularly those from the Girls School, though disapproved of by the somewhat staid post-war teachers.

After leaving school, Chris joined Lloyds Bank and later the Royal Insurance in Liverpool, where he was fast-tracked for promotion, but he preferred the idea of running his own business. When his father retired, Chris bought his newsagent’s shop in Weston Point and expanded the business, where he and his then partner Liz became well-known figures in the neighbourhood. After selling the shop, Chris continued to be self-employed until his retirement.

But music was always an integral part of Chris’s life, whatever his day job, and he played various instruments in many types of musical entities, from Beat Groups in the 60s Liverpool scene, to Folk Groups and Cabaret combos. Chris also used his talents to raise money for various local charities.

He first met his partner Deirdre when they were both teenagers and members of “The Moonshiners” folk group where they were part of the 1960’s Folk Revival. But after a time they went their separate ways until fate stepped in and they met again in 2004, soon becoming devoted to one another and remaining so, for 14 years. Their shared love of music led to them writing, producing and recording an extensive catalogue of original songs, which they had intended to promote to famous recording artistes. Deirdre still hopes to be able to gain recognition for his talents as a composer and lyricist.

Family: Deirdre Graal, Ian Barras, Alison and Clive Simpson, Caroline and Daniel Ryalls, Andrew Simpson, Jane, Richard and Peter Flint, Heather Oakes, Irene and Graham Shaw, Paula Gaylord, Dave Currie, Ciaran, Margaret and Sean Shanahan, Sheena, Brian, Amelia and Eleanor Oulton, Yzanne and Matthew Thornton, Nicola and Ian Riley, Dolores and Dermot Quigley, Colette and Shane O’Driscoll, Anna Whiston, Nuala Cridge.

Friends: Liz Lowry, Gillian Turner, Bob O’Callaghan, Graham, Barbara and Andrew Rath, Frank and Maria Bowen, Chris O’Connor, Bill and Dianne Greenhalgh, Johnny Rocco, Trevor Richards, Dave Wycherley, Billy Garner, Greg Oldfield and Louise Nulty, Keith Robinson, Jenny and Bernie Barnett, Susan and John Atherton, Phyllis Standing, Margaret Mason, Gordon Mattravers, Dennis Roscoe, Susan and Roy Warburton, Elaine Davies, Mandy and Andy Blythe, Marjorie Darwin, Isabella and Alex Sharpe, Pauline and Robbie Burns, Sheila and Les Buford, Shirley and Faith Lomax, Jean and Ken Morris, John Hutchinson, Julie Lowry, Dave Lawrence, Ian and Eileen Hare, Gordon Ellis, Shelagh Byrne, Janet Fay, Nicola Donoghue, Sheila Warr, Lilian and Brian Taylor, Bill Hatten, Martin Dittrich, Mavis Mills, Chris Hatton. Sincere apologies for anyone omitted, but your presence was a great comfort.

Bearers: Andrew Simpson, Brian Oulton, Graham Rath, Andrew Rath.

The family would like to extend thanks to Marian Penketh for flowers and to all who sent cards, and donations received for Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group and Halton Haven Hospice. Thanks to Appleton Village Surgery, Macmillan Nurses and District Nurses for their ongoing care and to Halton Haven Hospice for their care to Chris in his final hours.

Thanks to Funeral Directors Moar and Butler for their support and advice.