GRAHAM CONNETT, OF HARRINGTON

Last updated 07:24, Friday, 04 July 2008

GRAHAM Connett, of Harrington, who for many years was manager of the Remploy factory at Cleator Moor, has died, aged 70.

He died at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven last Thursday and his funeral service was held yesterday at St Mary’s Parish Church, Harrington.

Mr Connett, a Yorkshireman by birth, will be well remembered for his efforts on behalf of the disabled, whose cause he always championed.

He was passionate about his role as head of the factory and took every opportunity, often in his own time, to get the message over that those with a disability were as good as anyone else.

He came to Cumbria from Cornwall, where he had been working as an engineer for Remploy.

He lived at Harrington with his wife Pauline, who died last year.

George Trolley who took over from Mr Connett when he retired in 1996, paid tribute saying he was a man of principle who would help anyone.

He said: “He helped me a great deal when I took over from him as manager. His standards became my standards and I couldn’t go wrong with those.

“He was a great supporter of the Heart and Angina Group at The West Cumberland Hospital although he didn’t have a heart problem himself. And he also helped the Normandy Vets get their commemorative plaque installed at St Nicholas’ Gardens in Whitehaven.

“He was on lots of committees and always ready to help. A real gentleman and a sad loss.’’