Georgie Docker,North West and
Euan Doak,Bury
Beth McCrimmonCrowds have lined the streets to pay tribute to a lollipop man, who has died after 20 years in the role in Bury.
Keith Christie, 84, walked generations of children over the crossroads at the junction of Garside Hey Road and Brandlesholme Road.
People brought flowers and balloons and waited at the crossing as the cortege travelled past.
Beth McCrimmon, 49, from Brandlesholme, said: “Keith was a stand up member of the community who is sadly missed by all. He showed up no matter the weather – always with a smile on his face.”
Euan Doak/Mourners were made up of several generations, from primary school children, to parents and grandparents – all with fond memories of their beloved lollipop man.
Pupils from both Old Hall Primary School, and Tottington High School were among those gathered as Mr Christie made his final journey over the crossing at about 13:00 GMT.
Euan Doak/
Euan Doak/Aiden, 17, a former pupil, said he first met Mr Christie when he was just five years old – and described him as a “brilliant guy to be around”.
He said: “I just can’t believe he’s gone – it just happened so fast.
“He loved his job so much, he loved helping people get across this road.
“He was such a brilliant guy to be around.”
Chloe Platt, 21, said he had helped her to cross the road since nursery.
She said: “We’ve come along to say goodbye to Keith because he’s been helping us cross this road since nursery, through to high school, college, work as well.
“He’s loved by everyone in the area so it’s just a goodbye to him really, out of respect as well.
“He was a good person.”
Euan Doak/She said Mr Christie was “just very outgoing, always in a vibrant mood, always ready to talk, smiling, wishing everyone a good day”.
“He just uplifted your mood, he had that aura about him and it’s nice,” she added.
Ms McCrimmon, 49, who is vice chair of the community centre, said Mr Christie had been a part of her family’s day-to-day lives for years.
“My children [aged, 11, 17, and 32] had a great relationship with Keith, as did all of the children,” she said.
“Since he fell ill in May, a lot of people have been asking after him, because he’s just such a familiar face in this community.
“He was a caring, compassionate man who is very sadly missed by all.”