THE family of a beloved train conductor who died from coronavirus recently has thanked all those who turned out to pay tribute at his funeral procession.

More than 100 of Richard McTigue’s friends and former work colleagues gathered at Barrow train depot to pay their respects as the funeral cars passed by on Thursday, much to the appreciation of his wife Cath.

Mr McTigue died aged 50 after fighting coronavirus in Furness General Hospital which later developed into sepsis.

Born and raised on Walney Island, Mr McTigue leaves behind his wife Cath, 55, and son Daniel, 15.

“There were loads of people out there and I am so thankful to all of them for coming to pay their respects and to those that have sent cards and flowers,” Mrs McTigue said.

“It was only going to be the service at Columba’s with the immediate family.

“We knew his colleagues and friends wanted to pay their respects to him as well and when we drove past there were hundreds out there. It was lovely to see.

“I would like to thank you all of them for coming out to pay their respects.”

The Biggar Bank resident was well-known among his peers at the railway station, where he mainly worked on the Barrow to Manchester Airport line. He was a conductor for more than a decade after leaving his job as a mortgage advisor. The job was one he loved because of the social interaction it brought with it, his wife said.

The funeral was a sad day for the family as they learned of the passing of Mr McTigue’s father, Chris McTigue, on the same day who was described as a “lovely, gentle man”.

Cath McTigue said her husband’s chosen charity was the Great Ormond Street Hospital and said any donation made in his honour would be greatly appreciated.