A Glasgow man's final wish has 'come true' after he travelled to his own funeral in a coach, rather than a hearse. 

Joe McCrystal was said to have spent his retirement “pottering about” his son David McCrystal’s coach yard, LA Travel.

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Glasgow Times:

Armed with his cheese-and-tomato sandwiches and singing his favourite song, Puff the Magic Dragon (By the band Peter, Paul and Mary), the Glasgow grandad found himself heading to the coach yard day after day having supported David and his wife, Linda Ann, as they grew their business from just one bus to a fleet of 12.

Spending most of his time there, it became a running joke that Joe wouldn’t have a hearse for his funeral but a coach instead.

Glasgow Times:

So, when Joe sadly passed away at the age of 88, David asked his daughter-in-law, Karen O’Neill – a funeral arranger at Co-op’s Tollcross funeral home – if she would conduct Joe’s funeral.

Karen set to work and one of David’s coaches was utilised for funeral use, with the help of Joe’s grandson, Ross.

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When the unusual hearse arrived, David said it amazed many of the mourners, who felt it was a fitting tribute, and even made some of them laugh – much to the family’s delight.

David added: “I couldn’t have asked for a better send-off for my dad; all my requests were met and to a very high standard. I’m glad my dad got his wish.”

Glasgow Times:

Co-op’s funeral arranger Karen O’Neill said: “It was a privilege to arrange and conduct the funeral of my grandfather-in-law and to ensure that his final request was honoured and carried out so perfectly. It certainly was a unique funeral to put together and a first for me; I’ve seen horses and motorcycles before but never a coach!

“We so often believe that funerals need to be strictly traditional, but here at Co-op Funeralcare, we help those who want to move away from a traditional funeral and create a unique tribute that is more fitting with their loved one’s personality.

“Choosing something a little different can also make the occasion more light-hearted, not as daunting and help many through the grieving process. Joe’s funeral did exactly that.”

To find out more about Co-op Funeralcare, Tollcross, click HERE