It was standing room only at the funeral today for former Romford Recorder editor Roy Mills.
The congregation entered the chapel at Southend Crematorium to the song Make Me a Channel of Your Peace and left to Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.
Roy, who died earlier this month aged 80, was editor for 31 years after moving to the paper via Fleet Street and Coal News.
His son Jonathan paid tribute to his dad in a homily at the service to celebrate his life, which was attended by former colleagues, friends and family.
Jonathan spoke of his dad having three passions in his life – his family, The Recorder and sport and described an incident where he met two former colleagues of Roy in London.
He revealed one spoke highly of the meticulous, passionate journalist, describing him as a legend while the other didn’t have a good word to say. Jonathan said whenever his dad quoted the former’s compliment he reminded him of the latter.
Jonathan told the gathered congregation: “Dad I was wrong – you are a legend.”
Roy’s granddaughter Ellie then read a poem for her grandad.
Donations in memory of Roy for Southend Hospital NHS Trust should be sent to S Stibbards and Sons Ltd., 7 Spa Road, Hockley, Essex. SS5 4AZ.
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