Some of Britain's best-loved entertainers said farewell to Hull comedian Norman Collier at his funeral today.
Russ Abbott, Roy Chubby Brown, Little and Large and Tom O'Connor were among the mourners at St Helen's Church in Welton.
Mr Collier, 87, died at Brough Manor Residential Care Home on Thursday, March 14.
He had battled Parkinson's disease for seven years.
People attending the funeral were asked to wear bright attire as a mark of appreciation of the comedian's humour.
During the service, Mr Collier's son-in-law John Ainsley gave a rundown of the comedian's career and shared insights into his personal life.
After pretending the microphone was broken – a nod to one of Mr Collier's most famous sketches – Mr Ainsley said his family had been "overwhelmed" by the tributes paid to his father-in-law.
"Iconic, genius, comedy legend and comedian's comedian are all words that have been used," he said.
"But all of this was never the plan, but he happened to do it through sheer, absolute wonderful talent.
"When Mike Ulyatt wrote a book about his life, he could never understand why anyone else would be interested in him.
"He felt he was blessed to do what he did.
"The greatest gift he could give to us was his time and he did give it so generously.
"Showbiz was what he loved, his family is what he adored.
"He touched the lives of millions."
Cannon and Ball, Roy Walker, Roy Hudd and Stu Francis were among those attending the service this afternoon.
Comedian Sid Little said Mr Collier's funeral was a sad occasion, but one he was happy to be a part of.
Speaking outside the church, he said: "Norman? Funniest man in the world.
"He was unbelievable, a laugh-a-minute.
"He wasn't just a funny man, he was a man full of fun."
↧