Sad news of death of John Rigby

Obituary
JOHN RIGBY M.B.E.
11.06.1922 – 05.09.2010

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that John Rigby, passed away 5th September 2010.

John was a member of Bolton Olympic Wrestling club for over 60 years and was coaching well into his 50’s.  He coached many, many wrestlers over the years.  John was a ‘Life President of Bolton Olympic Wrestling Club’, and was vice President of the Northern Region Wrestling Association.

In 1961 John received a ‘Bravery Award’ when he rescued two young children from a fire in Milton Street, Bolton.

In December 1996 John had the prestigious honour of being awarded the Bolton Civic Medal for his outstanding services to young wrestlers.

In the New Year’s Honour List, January 1999, John was honoured with an M.B.E. for services to wrestling.  When John received his letter he said ‘Thinking back over all my years involved in wrestling there has been nothing greater than this.  I am very proud and this is my happiest moment.  This honour is a reward for all the wrestlers I have worked with. They have all been brilliant.’

John was a true gentleman, who would make time for anyone willing to listen to his ‘Wrestling Tales of bye gone years’.

John will be sadly missed. Good night and God Bless.

Funeral arrangements:
Wednesday, 15th. September 10.30 am service to be held at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, Great Moor Street, Bolton followed by burial at 11.45 am at Heaton Cemetery, Bolton.

Ellen Morris