Workington Town pays tribute to supporter killed in car crash
Last updated at 15:19, Friday, 09 March 2012
Workington Town has paid tribute to Moorclose resident James McKenzie who died in a car crash this week.
Workington Town has paid tribute to Moorclose resident James McKenzie who died in a car crash this week.
Mr McKenzie, 61, of Furness Road, was a well-known figure at Workington Town and manned the turnstiles at Derwent Park for 41 years.
The rugby league club paid tribute to its head gateman in a statement.
It read: “Everyone at the club was shocked to hear of the loss of Jimmy who died in a tragic accident.
“He will be sorely missed by everyone at the club and our thoughts are with Jimmy's family at this very sad time.”
Mr McKenzie was on an errand when the blue Ford Focus he was driving was in collision with a silver VW Golf on Honister Drive just after 2pm on Wednesday.
Flowers and messages have been tied to a gate next to the crash scene, just past the bottom end of Wastwater Avenue.
The tributes were led by Mr McKenzie’s wife Olive, who wrote: “To a dear husband, all my love always and foreva, your loving wife Olive.”
Another tribute read: “To Granda, we will miss you loads, love always, Lisa, John, Courtney. xxx.”
A message signed Evelyn and Tallan said: “To Dad, I will miss you, you are my hero.”
The driver of the Golf, a 35-year-old Workington man, was seriously injured in the crash and is being treated at Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital.
He is under arrest on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
In a statement released by Mr McKenzie’s family soon after his death described him as “One in a million, a real legend.”
They said: “He was a true gentleman, he loved his family to bits. He was just doing a message and never came home.
“He loved Wigan and Workington Town Rugby League. He was always there for everybody. A much loved Husband, Dad and Granda. He was always life and soul of the party and always first on the karaoke. One in a million, he really was a legend.”
First published at 13:59, Friday, 09 March 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
This is still so unreal...cannot believe this has happened to such a lovely man. My thoughts are with my Auntie Olive,my cousins John, Evelyn & Sharon & their children. Sleep tight Uncle James...we will never forget you. xxx
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What a lovely man Jimmy was, a true gent, and will be sadly missed at Derwent Park. R.I.P xxx
Posted by sandy on 10 March 2012 at 15:14