Over one hundred mourners recently gathered to celebrate the remarkable life of Glynn ‘Trigger’ Jonathan Jones, a beloved cricketer whose vibrant spirit and “infectious smile” left an indelible mark on his community. The emotional service, held at Bradwell Crematorium, was a profound testament to a man cherished by family, friends, and fellow cricketers alike, focusing on community remembrance and heartfelt farewells.
The poignant ceremony commenced with Glynn being driven around Sandyford Cricket Club one last time, serenaded by John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads,’ a fitting farewell to a place he held dear. Inside the crematorium, Father John Stather presided over a Christian service, as seats filled quickly and many stood at the back, eager to pay their respects and acknowledge Glynn’s inspirational life.
Friends shared cherished personal anecdotes highlighting Glynn’s lifelong connections, particularly from his time at Radways. One humorous story recounted a friend he’d playfully accuse of having “slept with him” in the pub, stemming from a shared double bed experience six weeks after Glynn’s wedding. This friend expressed profound privilege at being asked to contribute to Glynn’s funeral, a request he had jokingly made for over a decade, underscoring the deep bonds Glynn forged.
Heartfelt family tributes were read by Father John, including moving words from Glynn’s children, Helen, Rachel, and Neal. Helen expressed her profound loss, describing her father as “a gem with a heart of gold.” Rachel fondly recalled their shared passion for cricket and football, along with his playful tickling games, and a memorable tale of Glynn charming ladies with a fabricated shark attack scar from an Australian student trip—a story that “worked every time.”
Neal’s tribute painted vivid pictures of lively parties at the cricket club in Whitehill and numerous memories from the family caravan, reinforcing Glynn’s role as the life of any gathering. His grandchildren echoed the sentiment, remembering his “infectious smile” and shared conversations about railways in Stoke-on-Trent. They affectionately hoped he was now enjoying a well-deserved pint of Guinness, reflecting his jovial and “happy” personality, a key part of the Glynn Jones legacy.
The funeral service was further enriched by a photo tribute set to Love Affair’s ‘Rainbow Valley,’ followed by a beautiful poem titled ‘The Last Bat,’ presented by a friend from Kidsgrove Cricket Club. The musical selections for the procession were equally meaningful, featuring ‘Thank You For The Days’ by The Kinks, ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ by The Hollies, and the iconic ‘Soul Limbo,’ the BBC cricket theme song by Booker T & The M.G.’s, celebrating Glynn’s cricket passion.
Concluding the day, Glynn’s wake was held at Sandyford Cricket Club, affectionately known as The Ford. Mourners were invited to partake in a traditional cheese sarnie, raising a toast to Glynn Jones and his remarkable journey, cementing a final farewell filled with shared memories and enduring affection for a truly unforgettable individual. This collective act of community remembrance underscored the profound impact he had on so many lives.
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