Son sends dad off in coffin carried by digger

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A Son carries his digger drivers dad’s coffin to church in the bucket of a JCB.

James, 28, who lives with his wife in Blackley gave his dad a fitting send off by strapping his coffin to the front of a JCB and says his dad “would have loved it”.

James Dad in Digger Brendan personalised number plate (Picture by James murphy)
James Dad in Digger Brendan personalised number plate (Picture by James murphy)

Dad-of-two Brendan Murphy, 53, made a fitting final journey inside the bucket after having worked in construction his entire working life.

Brendan, who leaves a daughter Rachel, 31, and granddaughter Ruby, aged 16 months, had been working for P Flannery Plant Hire on the M60 ‘Smart Motorway’ project before his death.

Brendan personalised number plate
Brendan personalised number plate

James, who works for Buckhurst Plant Hire in Rawtenstall, commented saying: “He was a mechanic by trade but also a pipe layer and a JCB driver – all the skills have been passed down the family really.

“Family cars and mourners followed behind the JCB but there was a hearse in front of me. JCBs are road legal so there was no issue there.

“Dad was a really nice bloke and I want to thank everyone who attended his funeral.

“He was a huge Manchester United fan and would talk to anyone in the pub about work and football. During his eulogy, it was said that he would work all day and talk all night – which summed him up.”

A personalised registration plate also hung in the front of the make-shift hearse during the 30 minute journey.