THE LIFE of a much-loved Richmond man was celebrated today with emotional tributes and memories at his funeral at St Mary’s Church.

Andrew Jackson, 43, died in hospital on Monday, April 27 at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, following a vicious attack outside the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond on the night of Saturday, April 25.

St Mary’s Church, in Richmond, had to supply extra seats after the pews filled up with family and friends coming to pay their respects to the popular amateur sportsman.

Reverend Antony Kirby, who led the service, welcomed the congregation and read poems and prayers, as well as memories from Mr Jackson’s step-sons Bradley and Cameron.

Mr Jackson’s mother Rosemarie Bennett explained the significance of St Mary’s Church to her family.

She said: “It would be very important to my mother, Iris Clapham, to have the funeral here because from 1968 she was a loyal and active parishioner at St Mary’s.

“Mam died 17 years ago and her ashes are buried here in St Mary’s. It helps me greatly that Andrew’s funeral should be here where his much-loved grandma worshipped.”

Mr Jackson's sister Sally Owens read a eulogy on behalf of her mother.

She said: “From a five-year-old Andrew played football, but one weekend visiting my parents in Richmond he went with dad to play golf.

“After a couple of swings he was hooked – I was not popular with the football manager when I told him Andrew preferred golf.

“Over the next 32 years golf was the most important thing for him and was employed as assistant professional at Richmond Golf Club for a year, but lack of funds meant he could not pursue it.

“But in 1991 he won the Rose Bowl competition, which stood for nine years, and in 2011 he won five of the most important trophies.”

Mrs Owens emphasised her close bond with her brother and said the two had always looked out for each other.

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t there that awful night to stand in front of him – but after he was taken to hospital his family never left his side,” she said.

“Andrew was on the organ donor register and this was his final achievement and gift.”

Mr Jackson’s kidneys, lung, heart and liver were donated and all recipients are doing well.

Best friend Mick Hawkes said: “I knew Andrew for more than 20 years when he and his ex-wife Lisa ran the Ship Inn, and I think it was a good five years before we had a sober conversation.

“When he used to live in his flat in Colburn we would often go out for breakfast, and him being such a handsome man his breakfast would be presented perfectly while mine looked as though it had been catapulted onto my plate.

“When I complained I was told I didn’t have to go back – but it was my house, my kitchen and my wife serving us.

“His life and memories will be with me forever and his friends will never forgive those responsible – not out of hatred but because of the overwhelming sense of loss we now have in our lives.”

Reverend Kirby said he hoped his family and friends would cherish their individual memories of Mr Jackson.

He added: “Andrew should be here with us today, living his life to the full but it was taken away from him at the hands of another.”

  • Cohnor James Coleman, aged 24, of Brough with St Giles, Catterick Garrison, is charged with Mr Jackson's murder and has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on July 23.
  • The Northern Echo attended the service with the permission of Mr Jackson's family.