THE family of a Copplestone man who died following a tragic accident have extended their thanks to all those who attended his funeral service, watched it on-line, sent kind wishes and to those who lined the route of the funeral cortege.
Patrick Rice (known as Paddy to all of his friends) died following a tragic accident on farmland near Spreyton on May 13.
His funeral service, conducted by local celebrant, Alison Orchard, was held at the Exeter and Devon Crematorium on Thursday, June 17.
Paddy was a lorry driver with Langford Plant Hire and his lorry, complete with a floral tribute, followed his coffin from Copplestone to Exeter as a tribute.
Many people lined the roads to pay their respects in Copplestone, at The Green in Crediton, outside The Ship Hotel and outside Crediton Parish Church.
The family said that some people also threw flowers into the lorry as it went by.
In May the family issued a tribute which read: “We are beyond heartbroken at the tragic loss of our much loved son, brother and father Paddy Rice.
“He was taken away from us whilst doing a job he loved, and without any warning, which makes it all the more difficult for us to comprehend.
“He had found true happiness with his partner Michele and they were looking forward to many years together as a couple.
“He was very proud of his three children, Jack (16), Maisie (14), and Lily (12), and they will miss him more than words can say.
“Paddy loved a party and he was well-known around the pubs of Crediton, talking and laughing with everyone he met!
“When Covid restrictions are lifted we will hold a big party to remember him in the spirit that he would have wanted.”
The family statement continued: “We have been overwhelmed with the amount of flowers, cards and visitors we have received in the past two weeks and would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support at such a difficult time.”
A statement from his employer, Langford Plant Hire, posted on Facebook on May 14, read: “It is with great sadness that we lost one of our drivers in a tragic accident yesterday.
“We are truly heartbroken by his loss as he was not just a respected and valued part of our team but a great friend.
“He will leave an enormous hole in our hearts and will always be greatly missed but will forever be remembered for the kind, humorous, wonderful man that he was. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
During the service, Alison Orchard said: “Standing six foot, six inches tall, and solid with it, Patrick was a larger than life character! There was no pretence with him, so what you saw in Patrick was what he was. He gave you himself and he couldn’t have given you a greater gift.
“Always out there and, in his own words, ‘Maze as yer Nan’s dug’, Paddy did rolly-pollies in the living room (man and boy!), played music LOUD and ate mountains of ’Spag Bol’ in one sitting, and not forgetting the Pot Noodle sandwiches!; he motored through life as powerfully as the Subaru car he always planned to get back on the road!
“Something of a people magnet who was engaging and funny, hilarious even, he was the life and soul of any party and you loved his quips and stories, the banter and the wind-ups, the tricks and the pranks. In fact some of you called him ‘The Patrickster’!
“Whilst you never quite knew whether he was serious or not, there was a softer, deeper, sensitive side to Patrick, too; a gentle giant, he was kind and loyal, even tempered and genuine, and, always one to be interested in others, especially those he loved, he was supportive, loving and helpful.”
Paddy was a real family man and also knew how to have a good time.
He previously worked for Rose Removals, SW Highways, Vital Dog Supplies, a skip hire firm and lately at Langford Plant Hire.
A fund has been established to raise money, “Paddy’s Subaru restoration fund”.
The retiring collection was in aid of the fund.
It is the family’s hope to be able to put his prized motor back on the road.
The family concluded: “Thanks to Alison Orchard the service was very personal to Paddy.
“It made us cry and it made us laugh too.
“We finished the day with a party, playing his favourite music, just the way he would have wanted it to be.”