COUNTLESS ex-Service personnel are mourning the death of a popular personality who worked tirelessly for their welfare for nearly 50 years. Michael (Mick) McGann died at his home in Thatto Heath after a short illness. He was 72

Mr McGann, who leaves widow Margery, sons Michael and James, daughter Josephine, and four grandchildren, was a former clerk of works with Knowsley Council, who did sterling work as county secretary of the Royal British Legion and sat on the national executive council.

He organised the annual conference and was president and treasurer of Scholes Lane branch.

A familiar figure when reading citations on Remembrance Day parades at the war memorial in Victoria Square and Liverpool Cathedral, he was deeply involved in fund-raising for the annual Poppy Day Appeal.

Mick enlisted in the Territorial arm of the Royal Engineers in 1948, where he attained the rank of sergeant major and was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

He was parade marshal when the regiment was granted the Freedom of the Borough in 1966, and was president of the RE Association.

More than 30 regimental standards were dipped in salute when a funeral service with full military honours was held for Mr McGann at St Austin's Church, Thatto Heath, on Monday.