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Convoy of Stobart trucks for funeral of Edward Stobart

14th April 2011, Page 9
14th April 2011
Page 9
Page 9, 14th April 2011 — Convoy of Stobart trucks for funeral of Edward Stobart
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Hundreds gather at Carlisle Cathedral to pay their final respects to an industry pioneer and legend

By Will Shiers CARLISLE WAS brought to a standstill on Saturday morning, when hundreds of mourners attended the city’s cathedral for the funeral of Edward Stobart, who died last month, of a suspected heart attack, aged 56. Hundreds more lined the streets outside to pay their respects to the industry legend, and to watch the service on

a giant 27m2 daylight LED screen mounted on the back of Teletubby – a 1994 Volvo FH rigid.

The 500-strong congregation listened to a solo rendition of Amazing Grace, sung by Rebecca Ferguson of X Factor fame. This was followed by a heart-felt eulogy from Edward’s close friend and former colleague Reverend Illtyd Barrie Thomas, who is described by brother William Stobart as “Edward’s co-pilot in the developing years”

. Thomas recounted numerous stories to express Edward’s integrity, generosity and ingenuity. He spoke of the numerous charities that have beneited from Edward’s generosity, and said the public will never know the true extent of his kindness, for so many of his donations were given on condition of complete anonymity.

Natural ability

He spoke of his hard work; his forward thinking; his determination to succeed; his high standards; the Stobart fan club and the man’s “natural ability to see one step ahead” . He also told how at one year’s Motor Transport Awards in London, Edward arranged for trucks to be parked outside the venue before and after the awards. “Stobart trucks were the last vehicles guests saw on their way in and the irst they saw on their way out,” he explained. “It was genius.” Thomas echoed the thoughts of many in the congregation when he talked about the way in which Edward “almost single-handedly transformed the haulage industry”. He inished by saying that Edward had such a huge impact on “an industry, a company, a workforce, his family and his friends”.

Peter Maiden, honorary canon of Carlisle Cathedral, who has known the Stobart family for many years, added his own personal memories of the man for whom he clearly had a lot of respect.

The cofin was taken for private burial in a classic Rolls-Royce hearse, led by a convoy of Stobart trucks from the past 40 years (1975 Atkinson Borderer, 1987 DAF 3600 and a 2009 Scania R560).

We’ll leave the inal words to Edward’s brother William, as quoted in the order of service: “Edward had a unique vision and enthusiasm from a very early age. He knew Eddie Stobart Ltd would one day become a leading name in transport and logistics.

“He single-handedly revolutionised the transport industry through the 80s and 90s. I know he was very proud of where the Stobart Group is today.” Our thoughts are with the entire Stobart family.


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