Family and friends to say final farewell to football fan famous for 'WAWAW' Sheffield Wednesday slogan

Ricky Hartley passed away in March, and today friends and relatives will gather to pay their respects and remember the popular Sheffield Wednesday fan.

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Ricky, who lived in Askern, Doncaster, was a keen Sheffield Wednesday supporter and was famed among fellow Owls fans for his distinctive rastafarian cap and for asking fans: “We’re all Wednesday aren’t we?”

The slogan – often abbreviated to WAWAW – has become the calling card and slogan of supporters of the Sheffield club – and Ricky, known to supporters as Rasta Ricky, is credited with starting and popularising the chant.

After his family, Sheffield Wednesday has been described as “the love of his life for all of his life”.

Ricky’s funeral with take place today (April 23) from 11am at Memoria Doncaster, Armthorpe Lane.

After the service, mourners will gather at Hyde Park Club, Nelson Street.

Ricky’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from Wednesday fans and his devastated daughter Amelia set up a fundraising campaign.

In an emotional tribute she said: “My darling papa, there isn’t any words to describe how much I'm going to miss you.

“It’s broke my heart I'm just so proud that you were my dad – someone who loved me unconditionally no matter what.

"You was a legend and loved by so many – there’s only one Richard Hartley WAWAW.”

She added: “We are overwhelmed with the hundreds of messages – he was a legend and Sheffield Wednesday was the love of his life.”

Following his death, one fan wrote: “Rest in peace Ricky. The original who started WAWAW.”

Another pal wrote: “Your passion for Sheffield Wednesday was known - but still a Donny man who we all had time for any day come rain or shine.”