The funeral of Leeds United and Wales football legend Terry Yorath was marked by an extraordinarily poignant moment as his granddaughter, Lois, fulfilled a deeply personal final request, leaving the congregation visibly moved.
A Granddaughter's Touching Tribute
Held on Monday at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Leeds, the service saw numerous emotional tributes paid to the former midfielder and manager, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 75. Among the family members involved in the proceedings, it was Lois, daughter of BBC sports presenter Gabby Logan, who delivered what many described as the most spellbinding moment.
Standing before the assembled mourners, Lois performed a heartfelt rendition of the hymn 'Jerusalem', a performance her grandfather had specifically requested before his death. The powerful delivery resonated throughout the church, moving many attendees to tears and serving as a central, emotional pillar of the ceremony.
Family at the Heart of the Service
The service was profoundly family-centric, with Yorath's relatives playing key roles. His son-in-law, former Scotland rugby international Kenny Logan, and grandson Reuben were among the pallbearers who carried the coffin into the church. Reuben, Lois's twin brother, also read a poem during the service.
Other grandchildren, Paloma and Phoenix, led the prayers, further emphasising the intimate and personal nature of the farewell. The ceremony was bookended by eulogies, opening with words from comedian Elis James and closing with a tribute from Yorath's son, Jordan.
Remembering a Life of Football and Family
In his closing eulogy, Jordan Yorath honoured his father as a "funny, kind, humble and proud man" who "persevered through pain and sadness". He poignantly referenced the profound grief that followed the sudden death of Terry's son, Daniel, Gabby Logan's brother, who collapsed and died in 1992 at just 15 years old.
"Just days after Daniel was buried, he was back in a tracksuit managing Wales, which he later regretted," Jordan shared. "But he didn't know any other way to be. Football was his lifeblood."
Musical Farewells and a Final Gesture
The service concluded with further musical tributes that underscored the family's loss. In a nod to Daniel, the Welsh male voice choir Côr Meibion Taf performed 'Danny Boy' as the ceremony drew to a close.
The coffin was then carried out of the church to the sound of 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. As the other pallbearers stepped away, Kenny Logan was seen to pause, stepping back towards the hearse to give the coffin a final, emotional tap before wiping away tears as he rejoined his wife.
The raw emotion was palpable among the younger generation as well, with Lois and Reuben seen comforting each other and wiping away tears as they were supported by family members.
A Football Community Gathers to Mourn
The service attracted a host of well-known figures from the worlds of football and television, reflecting Terry Yorath's significant standing in the sport. Among the mourners were former Wales internationals Chris Coleman and Ian Rush, commentator Bryn Law, and former Bradford City players Chris Kamara, Stuart McCall, and Don Goodman.
Their presence, alongside the deeply personal tributes from his family, painted a complete picture of a man cherished both at home and within the wider sporting community, whose legacy was honoured with tears, music, and profound respect.
