Hundreds of people, including scores of armed forces veterans, turned out to pay their respects to a war hero who died with no family. Ian White died peacefully at a nursing home in Lancashire on August 31, aged 80. He served with the Royal Air Force in Aden and also had connections to the Parachute Regiment.
Ian had no close family and very few friends when he died, and there were fears his funeral would be attended by only a handful of people. However, bosses and staff at Mapleford Nursing Home in Accrington were determined that wasn't the case.
Care home appeal ensures fitting send-off
Care home manager Julie Hammond, along with staff member Ann Southward, issued an appeal to the public, and specifically to armed forces veterans, to ensure Ian got the send-off that they knew he so thoroughly deserved, Lancs Live reports.
Thanks to their efforts, and those of the local Royal British Legion and volunteers from Veterans In Communities, which supports ex-servicemen and women across the North West, it was standing room only at Accrington Crematorium as scores of people turned out to pay their respects to someone who, even as a complete stranger, had been willing to risk his life for theirs.
A life of service and resilience
Those gathered at today's service heard that Ian had been born in Colne on May 24 in 1946 to mum Joan, a weaver, and dad Hillary, a farmer. Ian left school at 14 and started working in Barnoldswick as a fitter. He later went on to work as a motor mechanic at a garage in Spring Lane before joining the RAF in 1963 at the age of 19.
In 1965, Ian was critically injured when he was shot in the back; the bullet narrowly missing his vital organs before exiting his body through his chest. After a lengthy recuperation, Ian joined the Colne Air Cadets before also working as a volunteer with St John Ambulance.
Ian, a keen ice skater, regularly arranged for members of the Air Cadets to visit Blackburn Ice Arena where he was instantly recognisable in his decorated jumper. He later worked for Pendle Borough Council as a caretaker at Walverden Primary School in Nelson where he delighted youngsters by bringing his 'dog' into the playground - a mophead fastened to a skateboard.
Emotional tributes at the service
Ian, who had a 'subtle sense of humour', later volunteered with the Royal British Legion, selling poppies for Remembrance Day, before he eventually moved into Favordale Care Home in Colne and later into Mapleford Nursing Home in Accrington.
Ian's funeral began with a rendition of Edward Elgar's instantly recognisable composition Nimrod. The iconic wartime tune We'll Meet Again by Vera Lynn was also played and the service ended, quite aptly, with a recording of the RAF's Central Band playing The Dam Busters' March.
Norman Mitchell, who became friends with Ian after serving as his supervising officer, visited him in the care home every Friday afternoon. "The first time we visited was a very moving moment," Norman said during his eulogy. "Ian was sat in the lounge. He grabbed my hand, squeezed it, and wouldn't let go. Tears were running down his cheeks. He put his head on my shoulder and cried."
All the seats in the crematorium were full as the story of Ian's 'diligent and dutiful life' was told. Special screens were displayed outside so those who weren't able to fit inside could watch the service. Veterans stood side-by-side; their stances giving away their armed forces backgrounds.
Norman described how Ian 'loved' his visits to Mapleford. He was a fan of 'biscuits and grapes' and told tales of attending the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia and travelling the world. As he finished his eulogy, before reading out a poem written for Ian by Norman's wife, he added: "Here's to you Ian. You were a wonderful person and always helped others; either in the Armed Forces or St John Ambulance."
Veterans unite to honour one of their own
Among those who attended the funeral were serving members of the RAF, including Warrant Officer Lee Hargreaves from Burnley and his colleague, Squadron Leader Rachael Collier, both currently based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
"I saw [the public appeal] on Facebook," WO Hargreaves said. "Someone tagged me asking if I could help. It was the least we could do."
Phil Speddy from Rossendale, who is part of the Veterans In Communities charity, said: "We've all come out today because that's what we do. We support our veterans. No matter how big the armed forces might be we're still a family."
