WITH 2023 around the corner, many of us will take time to reflect on those we have lost along the way.
Friends, family, and other much-missed loved ones will be remembered at this time of year, as we say goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023.
In 2022, the country mourned the loss of a monarch, and Warrington mourned a number of losses closer to home throughout the year.
We look back at seven extraordinary individuals that Warrington lost this year.
Bobby Wanbon, aged 78
Former Warrington Wolves player Bobby Wanbon passed away in November this year, aged 78.
The dual-code Wales international made a life for himself in Warrington after moving from South Wales to switch from rugby union to rugby league with Saints in 1968.
Bobby transferred to the Wire in '71, before hanging up his boots in 1978.
Gloria Blair, aged 87
A beloved dance tutor, Gloria sadly died in September.
People throughout Warrington will best remember Gloria for her dance school in Thelwall, The Gloria Blair School of Dance and Drama, which was founded in 1964.
Gloria, who started dancing in 1946, put on various shows at the Parish Hall with proceeds going to many charities – as well as the centre.
Ernest Morris, aged 100
A war veteran who was part of the Normandy landings of D-Day in the Second World War, Ernest passed away in July, just one month after turning 100.
Ernest was awarded a posthumous medal for his service during the war, having served in the military from the age of 19.
He is survived by his family, with tributes being led by his son, Alvin, in the summer.
Des Drummond, aged 63
Warrington lost another rugby star, as former Wire and Leigh player Des Drummond was laid to rest at the age of 63 this year.
The Jamaica-born winger captained the Warrington side that won the Regal Trophy in 1991, scoring 69 tries in 182 appearances for Warrington between 1987 and 1992.
Stars of rugby league years gone by were present at the funeral service in February, including Andy Gregory, Paul Cullen, Joe Lydon and Phil Clarke.
Irene Lloyd, aged 100
Lymm is mourning the recent loss of Irene Lloyd, who died at the age of 100 in December 2022.
Irene - Rene to her friends - celebrated her 100th birthday in style in September, and was a much-loved part of the community.
Known for her quick wit and sharp sense of humour, Irene will be missed by many in Warrington, including the staff at the care home she spent her final days in - many of whom she kept entertained with her jokes and stories.
Paul Urey, aged 45
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, many volunteers travelled to the country to assist with the Ukrainian war effort - one of whom was Culcheth man Paul Urey.
Paul tragically died in captivity in July, having been captured by Russian separatists in April. He was 45 years old.
Paul's family raised thousands of pounds to recover his body from the warzone, and he is survived by his two daughters, Chelsea and Courtney.
Peter McLean, aged 51
Warrington said goodbye to a beloved town centre character at the age of 51, when Peter McLean sadly passed away.
Peter was living in supported accommodation at the time of his death, but will have been a familiar face to anyone passing through the town centre over a number of years.
Peter's funeral was held on Friday, December 9.
In 2014 he spoke to the Warrington Guardian, saying: "
In 2014, he told the Warrington Guardian: "All I want now is for the YMCA to stay open and people helping it rather than trying to shut it down.
"If everyone that had been helped by the YMCA donated a fiver it would keep it going."
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