Touching tributes paid to 'the best dad' and ' an incredible man'

A “popular figure” in the community, Barry Farrell, from Dentons Green, passed away aged 56.

He had bravely battled myeloma cancer, after his initial diagnosis in 2015, and underwent numerous treatments over the years.

Barry with daughters Cara (middle) and Ellie (right)

Barry, who worked as a graphic designer, passed away peacefully, without pain on Saturday, January 27, surrounded by his daughters Cara, 26, and Ellie, 23, and ex-wife Sharon.

Barry was a well-known figure, and had coached at Blackbrook rugby club, with future Saints stars such as James Roby and Jamie Foster among those who were under his wing.

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“He was really popular, and we have had floods of messages come through, and people sharing pictures of him,” said daughter Ellie.

“No-one had a bad work to say about him, he was a great person.

“He was really active and a massive Elvis fan. He will be up there with the King himself!”

Tributes have been paid to Barry Farrell

Ellie said that among the fondly cherished memories they will have include going on family trips to Texas, and to see Elvis’ house at Graceland, in Memphis.

“He was the best dad to me and Cara, and we made the most amazing memories, it is nice to have those special memories of him.”

Friend Ste Woods, who coached with Barry at Blackbrook and set up a business with him, the Oz Sports shop on North Road in the 2000s, added: “On behalf of everybody who knew him, he was a legend.

Barry, with friends, including Ste Woods (right)

“From all of his mates, he is going to be sorely missed by everybody.

“We are so proud of his girls, and how strong they have been, they always did him proud.”

Barry coached at Blackbrook

The Steve Prescott Foundation, who Barry, had closely supported over the years, paid a tribute to him.

Martin Blondel, SPF general manager said: “Barry Farrell was an incredible human being.

“He has supported the Steve Prescott Fund then Foundation since the news about Steve Prescott’s condition was announced in 2007.

“Whilst he worked for Vinyline he was our first point of call, there was not one event that Barry did not play an important part of.

“The people in the St Helens community who needed help for those less fortunate always gravitated towards Barry, he would always do his best to help out!

“He was a popular figure, everyone knew Baz and he had an extended friendship base.”

Barry Farrell was described as "the best dad"

Martin added: “When the news of his illness was announced, the support of the community was a testament to his popularity.

“The humbleness, grace and courage through his illness, mirrored the way he was throughout his life!

“Our thoughts are prayers are with Cara, Ellie and all his family and friends.

“Barry will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”

Barry Farrell

Barry’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 13 at 2pm at St Helens Crematorium, before a wake at Blackbrook rugby club.