An AYRSHIRE rugby legend laid his father to rest in a unique and ‘heart-warming’ final goodbye.

Rugby Union player Gordon Reid bade farewell to his dad of the same name – known as Big G – after he sadly passed away on March 28.

Gordon senior died the day after he was supposed to have a surprise party for his 65th birthday prior to lockdown restrictions.

His wife, four daughters and son wanted to make sure his send-off was as special as possible.

Alex Dunlop, funeral director at Co-op Funeralcare in Ayr, said: “We arranged a hearse to take Gordon’s coffin on a drive around the local countryside before it was placed on a trailer, which was attached to the back of his beloved tractor.

“The tractor then drove through Mossblown, in South Ayrshire, with the family walking closely behind, before arriving at the cemetery.

“It was truly heart-warming to see the streets lined with loved ones, who stood on the pavements to wave their final farewells as the cortege went by.”

Just before Gordon was laid to rest, the family placed tools on top of the coffin as Gordon had always worked in a garage as a mechanic. This way, Big G would always have his trusty tools with him.

After the burial, pheasants were set off into the wild, where one flew across the cemetery and off into the distance.

Big G’s son, Gordon, said: “Pheasants don’t usually fly very far, so it was quite moving to see one fly into the horizon. It was very symbolic when the pheasant flew away – I know dad would have loved it.”

The Reid family have announced they will be holding a huge celebration in true ‘Big G’ style to honour the life of Gordon once lockdown is over.

At a time where attendance at funerals is restricted, Co-op has introduced a cortege service to help families opting for direct cremation to arrange one last journey for their loved one, be that to the family home or another place of significance.

In response to changing demand for services, it has also become the first national funeral provider to introduce direct burial, a burial without an attended service.

To help families who would like to create a full memorial service paying tribute to their loved one once the restrictions are lifted, Co-op has also introduced future remembrance services.

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