Michael Evans funeral well attended by Salop faithful
Monty's funeral took place on a very cold, but dry, Thursday morning , 30th January at Montgomery Church. Over 200 attended which was especially pleasing to the locals and Town supporters. Well over 100 Town supporters, many in town shirts and scarves, made the occasion feel especially inclusive. A short but respectful service was followed by the internment in the local cemetery. Monty himself was dressed in a town shirt with his nickname “Monty”, 69 and “Legend” on it, track suit bottoms and football socks so he made his final journey as near to being a Town footballer as possible. The funeral directors had attached the Shrewsbury Town flag and scarf on the coffin and this looked splendid. It was a truly warm and special send off for a supporter legend that was Michael Evans.
After the internment we returned to the church where the local ladies had done us all proud with a fabulous spread of sandwiches and home made cakes, tea and coffee. The atmosphere in the church hall was happy, friendly and very welcoming.
The people of Montgomery wanted to express their thanks to the club and the supporters for recognising Monty's passing and were overwhelmed by the sense of "family" that this occasion showed towards Michael, “Monty” to Shrewsbury Town fans and” Micky” to the locals.
I would like to express my personal thanks to all who could attend. Over £250 was raised towards a suitable memorial for Monty which will be decided at a later date.
We will have buckets on the café outlets and reception on Saturday. Ian Whitfield is organising a picture of Monty to be shown on the scoreboard at 69 minutes into the match on Saturday. He was 69 when he passed away. I will ask Ryan Jervis to say something about the 69th minute before the game and at half time if anyone who knew him would like to express their feelings like a minutes applause?
Monty will be there in spirit I am sure.
Martin James
Head of Community Development