WINSFORD residents could be forgiven for thinking they were in Louisiana on Friday, as a New Orleans-style jazz funeral procession was seen in the town.

Mourners following six-piece jazz ensemble The Boat Band were seen dancing along Moss Bank, Saxon Crossway, and Delamere Street behind the coffin of Ray Elliot, who died on Tuesday, December 20, age 89.

Eager to fulfil Ray's last wish, funeral-goers proceeded beneath brightly coloured and decorated umbrellas from his home on Moss Bank to Fowles Funeral Home, accompanied by his long-time canine companion Sheba, dressed smartly in a doggie waistcoat and bowtie. 

The band were then ferried to the cremetorium, where they added a festive and celebratory side to the proceedings. 

Northwich Guardian: Mourners with colourful umbrellas, accompanied by Ray's German shepherd, Sheba (Stacie Verdin)Mourners with colourful umbrellas, accompanied by Ray's German shepherd, Sheba (Stacie Verdin) (Image: Stacie Verdin)

Granddaughter, Stacie Verdin, who did much of the planning, said: “There is a famous scene from a James Bond film where there is a funeral in New Orleans. That’s what he wanted us to do.

“He absolutely loved jazz music, especially New Orleans-style jazz from the 30s to the 50s. His wishes where that he had his jazz band for his final journey.

“We tried our best, though we were very sad, to be upbeat and to dance. Hopefully, we did what he wanted, even though we felt very silly.

“We were honoured to be able to carry out his final wish.”

Ray was born in Wandsworth, London, in 1934, though spent much of his life in Somerset, where he raised his children.

When he retired from his career as a long distance lorry driver, he and his wife Rose moved to Spain, where they spent 10 years, and then to France, where they spent a further three years.

Northwich Guardian: Ray Elliot (Stacie Verdin)Ray Elliot (Stacie Verdin) (Image: Stacie Verdin)

When they moved back to the UK, they settled in Winsford, to be nearer to their children and grandchildren.  

Stacie added: “He was a larger-than-life character, always joking and having a laugh, and winding people up.

“My grandad was my best friend, to put it simply. I visited him, and spoke to him, every day.

"He loved to party – to him, life was a party. I’m so lucky I’ve had my grandad all my life, because some people don’t get that.

“I have so many wonderful memories of both my nan and my grandad, and I will cherish those forever. My grandad was my hero, and best friend.

“I’m broken not being able to hear his voice every day, or sit drinking tea and putting the world to rights.

“He will always be remembered.”