AN emotional tribute fulfilled an ex-soldier’s dying wish on Remembrance Day.
Penistone military campaigner Joe Pinguey carried out a promise he made to veteran Kevin Knox, of Oxspring, whose funeral took place at the same time as the commemorations on Wednesday.
Joe had pledged to lay a wreath at the village war memorial as a mark of respect for a relative of Kevin’s who was killed in the First World War.
Kevin, who died in October at the age of 62, had longed to place the wreath himself but became too ill to do it.
So while observing Covid-19 rules, Joe laid a wreath and paid his respects as Kevin’s funeral procession passed through Oxspring en route to Grenoside Crematorium.
“It was a very moving occasion,” said Joe. “The funeral procession stopped right by us with Kevin’s coffin draped in his regimental flag. It was extremely emotional but I am so glad I was able to fulfil his last wish. I feel I have done my duty by him.”
A couple of years ago, Kevin was diagnosed with renal cancer and died in Penistone’s Buckingham Care Home.
Joe then got the necessary permission from local vicar Fr David Hopkin and Oxspring Parish Council for an event to take place on Armistice Day, which occurred on Wednesday.
“The week before he died, Kevin told me he would not be fit enough to go ahead but asked me to carry out his wishes,” said Joe. “I said I would be honoured.”
Then, to Joe’s surprise, it emerged that Kevin’s funeral was set for 11am on Wednesday at St Aidan’s Church.
Joe even had The Last Post playing from a CD in his car parked by St Aidan’s.
He added: “You can stand down now Kevin Knox, your duty is done.”
