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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Ellen Kirwin

'Larger than life hero' dad killed on M62

Tributes have continued to flood in for a "larger than life" dad who died after being hit by a car on the M62.

Ste Rowley, who grew up in Liverpool, was killed when he was hit by a Mercedes on the motorway between junction eight (Burtonwood) and nine (Stump Cross) in Warrington on Sunday, March 19. The 51-year-old maintenance officer for Warrington Primary Academy Trust leaves behind his wife Maz and their eight children Jessy May, Stephen, Jamie, Demi Lea, Spencer, Tristan, Oscar, and his "princess" Lola Rae.

A funeral has now been arranged for the dad-of-eight with the details being shared by his friends and family on Thursday, April 13. Family will leave home at 1pm, following a route past Beamont Primary School, before arriving at Warrington Crematorium.

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His loved ones have asked for people to wear bright colours to the service. Further details about the funeral can be found here.

Paul Ferguson, who worked closely with Ste at Warrington Primary Academy, said: "There aren’t enough words that could describe what a great man Ste was. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He always had a smile on his face and he couldn’t do enough for people. He’ll be missed so much."

The Trust said Mr Rowley was "woven unto the fabric" of Beamont Primary School and had been a longstanding parent, with all of his children either current or former pupils. He became caretaker in 2015 before taking up the role of maintenance officer, working across WPAT's eight schools.

He was described as a "larger than life personality who endeared himself to everyone he met". The Trust added that his personality was 'as vibrant as his unique look'.

Further tributes have been posted on a memorial page dedicated to Ste. More than £3,000 has already been raised to support the family and for a funeral. In an update, the fundraising organiser, Mark Roberts said he had spoken to the Rowley family who said: "As a family, we are all touched by the number of offers of support and condolences we receive each day. We continue to be shocked by how many people knew him."

He added: "His son Spencer shared something with me today. He said: 'I didn't realise how many people dad knew, why is there so many people, to me he was just dad, my dad'

"Well, that says it all. It shows how someone like Ste can help and love so many people, but simply switch off, go home, and simply be, JUST DAD. He is a hero, a legend, and a great friend, but most of all, he's DAD. We love you Ste."

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