Family 'blown away' as community pay tribute to 'true Rainfordian' mechanic who died
Arthur Dagnall has been the proud owner of Central Garage in Rainford for 44 years.
In that time he’s been a key figure in the village being known as a ‘Rainfordian through and through’.
Pat and Arthur in the office of the garage (Image: The Dagnall family)
The great-granddad-of-two had been working in the garage aged 85 on December 30, but after this he went into hospital with pneumonia on New Years Eve, contracted sepsis and despite overcoming this, on Sunday, February 1 he passed away.
His son Chris Dagnall put a post on the Facebook page Rainford Community page letting the community know about his death, thinking some people may want to know – but was pleasantly surprised to find more than 400 people commenting sharing their own memories of Arthur.
Central Garage as it was (Image: The Dagnall family)
Chris, 60, said: “Dad opened a garage over the road from Sutton Manor Colliery as it was in 1977, then when that closed went to Wigan and then in 1982 opened up in Rainford and has been there ever since – 44 years.
“He was a Rainfordian through and through and along with his best mate Tony Cook the butcher they would be seen regularly in The Derby Arms and were well known in the town.
“I put it on Facebook not expecting much really maybe a few condolence messages but honestly we are just blown away with the response.
Arthur, second from right at the garage (Image: The Dagnall family)
“We all loved my dad and were proud of him but to see so many messages and stories from others shared on social media has really given my mum Pat a lift during this sad time and we are so grateful for every message.”
Some of the messages on the Facebook page share stories of people’s experiences with Arthur.
Paul Lewin said: “So sorry to hear this. I haven’t posted on FB for 10 years + but wanted to log back on this evening to pass on my condolences.
“I worked at the garage for a number of years as a teenager. Arthur couldn’t have treated me any better and to this day I tell people he was the best boss I ever had.
“He would work my shifts around Everton matches, so I could get to home games.
“He always found me extra work to do during the summer months and gave me money towards a suit for my first interview after university.
“I have such fond memories of my time at the garage. All my best to all of the Dagnall family”
The first car sold from the garage in 1982 (Image: The Dagnall family)
Gill An Ian Slater said: “Very sad to hear this as like Tony Cook big characters in the village.
“Sorry for your loss and condolences to all the family”
Andrew Rigby said: “What a character he was! Working right until the end, will be greatly missed. Love and condolences to you all.”
Clare Cowley added: “So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing Chris. Have many memories of buying sweets from the garage before we caught the bus to school and again when getting the petrol from the garage. Another true Rainfordian who will be greatly missed along with Tony Cook. Sending our condolences to you all”
The garage is run by Arthur’s son Drew and will continue on.
Arthur (Image: The Dagnall family)
As well as his beloved wife Pat and sons Chris and Drew, Arthur leaves behind four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at 12.30pm at All Saints Parish Church Rainford.
This will be followed by a wake at Rainford Village Hall from 1.30pm.
