Leeds family of coronavirus victim stayed away from funeral and held virtual memorial service for all

Up to 10 close family members were allowed at Rawdon Crematorium for 78-year-old grandfather Chris Millross's funeral service on Tuesday (April 28).

But his family opted not to go to the crematorium and instead held a memorial service for close family in the back garden of the home Mr Millross had shared with his wife Pauline in Boroughbridge.

Mr Millross's son Rob, 48, of Moortown, Leeds, said: "We took the decision not to attend as we would have been unable to invite all the friends and family that we would have under normal circumstances.

"Instead we held our own memorial service in my mum's back garden watching a video with a montage of photos and his favourite songs at the time of his cremation.

"The same video was watched at the same time by extended family and friends so they could share the celebration of his life.

"We tried to come up with something where everybody could take part.

"It went really well. It was very emotional . There were a lot of happy memories and tears as it was the final goodbye."

Chris Millross, formerly of Moortown, died of coronavirus on April 11 at Harrogate District Hospital.

Mr Millross, who did not have any underlying health conditions, had started suffering coronavirus symptoms on March 22 and was taken to the hospital on March 27.

Pauline Millross, his wife of 55-years, was allowed an hour's visit wearing full personal protective equipment shortly before he died.

Rob Millross said: "He received wonderful care at Harrogate District Hospital."

Mr Millross was born in Scarborough and lived in Moortown from 1977 to 1992 before moving to Asenby near Thirsk and then Boroughbridge.

He worked as a patent agent for printing plate business Howson Algraphy at Seacroft, Leeds, and later ICI at Middlesbrough.

He played cricket and rugby union when he was younger and was a former junior team manager at Wigton Moor Football Club in north Leeds.

Mr Millross was a parish councillor at Asenby, a volunteer at Boroughbridge Library and a volunteer with the Scout Association.

Mr Millross also leaves daughter Clare Steele-Childe, 52, and grandchildren Molly Steele-Childe, 20; Henry Steele-Childe , 17; Jake Millross, 17, and & Megan Millross, 14.

Rob Millross said: "He lived life to the full, travelling all over the world. He was extremely intelligent and creative and always seemed to know how to fix or build something.

"He was fun-loving and liked to entertain, usually with a few glasses of red wine. He always wanted to help others, both family and friends, which was demonstrated by the many organisations he volunteered for.

"He was a wonderful and devoted husband, father and grandfather with a genuine desire to help other people.

"He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike and was taken from us far too soon."