HUNDREDS of people followed the funeral procession yesterday of a Scottish man who had made Newport his home for the last 42 years.
The mourners followed a piper through the streets of Pill as the procession made its way to St Michael's Church.
John Rafferty, 69, of King’s Parade, died at the Royal Gwent Hospital on April 14, after battling cancer for the last few months.
His coffin was carried by five pall-bearers in Celtic tops and one wearing a Rangers top yesterday.
Mr Rafferty moved to Newport from Scotland 42 years ago.
His friend, Royston Chambers, described him as a “comical man” who everyone knew within 12 months of him moving there.
He said: “He was only a little man but big in stature. He was very well-liked in the Pill area and fitted in well with the Pill people.”
Mr Rafferty worked at Saunders Valves for 18 years until his retirement four years ago.
He and his partner Christine had six children between them and he also leaves behind nine grandchildren and a great-grandaughter.
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