Final canal trip ‘a fitting tribute to seaman’

The funeral cortege involved Robert Boothroyd’s family following his body to the service along his favourite canal.

Mr Boothroyd, 60, of Meltham, Huddersfield, was a former Merchant Navy seaman and boat engineer who dedicated his time to Yorkshire charity, the Safe Anchor Trust, which runs canal trips for disadvantaged children.

More than 200 people attended the service in Elland, near Halifax, following Mr Boothroyd’s death aged 60 on April 9.

His casket was taken by boat on a two-hour journey from Brighouse to Park Wood Crematorium, via the Calder and Hebble canal.

Boats with friends and family aboard followed and a guard of honour, made up of charity volunteers, met the procession at four locks along the way.

Les Moss, a close friend and chairman of the Safe Anchor Trust, said: “It was a very unusual funeral and if you didn’t know Robert and heard about it out of context then it would sound very odd indeed.

“For those of us who knew and loved him, it was a very fitting tribute to a man who spent his life on boats and dedicated his time to the charity.

“He planned the whole thing before he died and that shows just what sort of character he was. He was a great man. He was so kind and donated so much of his time to help others.”

“He was diagnosed with cancer one year ago but he just got on with it. He continued his work at the charity and carried on training volunteers, even when he was ill.

“Robert was a stereotypical Yorkshireman. He enjoyed a good pint and had a great sense of humour. The number of people at his funeral reflects how much he was loved and respected in this community. He will be missed by many people.”