Only Fools And Horses legend John Challis laid to rest in a hand-made eco-coffin — with his flatcap on top
ONLY Fools and Horses legend John Challis was laid to rest in a hand-made eco-coffin - with a nod to his beloved Arsenal.
His widow Carol shared photographs of John’s natural wicker casket – with this trademark flat cap on the top.
She told fans on Twitter: “We gave my lovely man a good send off yesterday, in the pouring rain, so I’m sharing these pics with you, if you don’t mind.
“The red flash on the wicker is for the lifelong Arsenal fan and the cap was something he wore all the time!”
The service in Herefordshire was attended by Sue Holderness – who played Boycie’s wife Marlene.
She said: “Darling John. It was a very beautiful (and very WET) send off. He would have approved. Thank you Carol. Miss him. Every moment.”
Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden added: “Thank you for sharing… the willow casket and flash of red a lovely touch for a man who loved nature and his team passionately. Wishes to you all. We will think of him often x.”
John died of cancer aged 79 last month and Carol added: “I’d like to thank each and every one of you who has posted such lovely thoughts and words of support, and for all the love shown for John. It has been overwhelming and it’s a great comfort to know he will never be forgotten.”
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John was living in a 12-century monastery when he died and ran his own book publishing firm.
The Boycie legend bought the ruins of Wigmore Abbey with Carol and the couple lived in the abbot's lodging, the only building to survive.
And they set up Wigmore Books to publish his autobiography, local interest works and their story of moving into the historic pile.
The green-fingered couple set about turning the garden into an attraction and they threw open the doors to visitors and it was also featured on one of Alan Titchmarsh’s Chelsea Flower Show programmes.
Wigmore Abbey in Herefordshire was also the location for the Only Fools and Horses spin-off, The Green Green Grass.
