HUNDREDS of mourners turned up to pay their last respects to a much-loved Stourbridge man on Friday.
John Clarke, known as Ginger to his friends, died of liver failure on Monday January 6, aged 66.
A horse and trap carrying the father-of-two's coffin led a procession from Mary Stevens Park to Stourbridge Crematorium at midday.
Mr Clarke, of Kennedy Court, was a familiar face at Stourbridge College's Longlands Centre, Brook Street, where he worked as a caretaker for more than 30 years.
When he retired two years ago, he was able to devote more time to his hobby, birdwatching, and often enjoyed days out with the Stourbridge RSPB.
His son, Justin Clarke, aged 45, of Stourbridge, said: "Everything went really well, it was done in the style of Ginge - it was almost as if he had arranged it himself."
Mr Clarke said that the wake at The Unicorn Inn, Wollaston was also well attended, with everyone sharing their memories of his father.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here