Family and friends gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of a much loved member of his local community.
The funeral of Wilfred Dillon BEM took place at Sacred Heart RC Church in Westhoughton today
Wilfred, or Wilf as he was known by those close to him, died on July 22 this year, just 10 weeks before his 100th birthday.
He was a well-known figure in Westhoughton, having worked with Westhoughton Age Support Project (WASP), Westhoughton Visiting Service, the Winifred Kettle home and Sacred Heart RC Church.
More than 100 people paid their respects at the funeral, which was led by Celebrant Barry Lomax.
Father Lomax paid tribute to Mr Dillon at the service, saying: “He packed a lot into 99 years and 10 months.
“He was fully committed to helping his neighbours and the community in general.
“He died just 10 weeks short of his 100th birthday.
“He always made time to speak and listen to others.”
Father Lomax continued: “What would Wilf say to you today?
“At the end of a letter he wrote to his 15-year-old self, he said that anything is possible, you just have to be ready and always aim to do your best, whilst respecting authority, friendship and helping others less fortunate than yourself.”
Mr Dillon’s work in the community was recognised by the Queen in 2012, being awarded a British Empire Medal.
The retired chef and great-grandfather also received the Pope’s Benemerenti Medal for his services.
Mr Dillon was in the Royal Engineers, serving in Italy and he spent a year with a civilian catering firm in 1940, helping to feed people in Liverpool and Manchester who had been displaced by the blitz.
The service also contained hymns and readings of bible verses, as well as a reading of poem The Dash by Linda Ellis, read by Kathleen Morris.
A bugle player played The Last Post, indicating Mr Dillon’s military background.
Following the service, mourners attended the committal at Howe Bridge Crematorium, and then a buffet lunch at Brookfield Hall in Westhoughton.
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