Joe McCrystal, a retired man from Glasgow, spent time at his son David’s coach yard where a running joke began that he would have a coach instead of a hearse at his funeral. Joe supported David and his wife Linda Ann as they grew their coach business, LA Travel, from one bus to a fleet of 12. After retiring, Joe would spend his days at the coach yard, eating cheese-and-tomato sandwiches and singing his favorite song, Puff the Magic Dragon.
When Joe passed away at the age of 88, his son David asked his daughter-in-law Karen O’Neill, a funeral arranger at Co-op’s Tollcross funeral home, to conduct Joe’s funeral. Karen arranged for one of David’s coaches to be fitted with straps in the coach’s locker to hold Joe’s coffin in place, honoring his final request to have a coach instead of a traditional hearse. Joe arrived at the funeral in his unique hearse, with mourners finding it a fitting tribute to his life. Most mourners saw the funny side of the situation, with some even letting out a laugh during the service.
David expressed his happiness with the send-off his dad received, stating that all his requests were met to a high standard. Karen, the funeral arranger, described it as a privilege to arrange and conduct Joe’s funeral, ensuring that his final wish was honored. She mentioned that while traditional funerals are common, choosing something unique like a coach hearse can make the occasion lighter and help with the grieving process. Joe’s funeral, though unconventional, achieved that goal.
Co-op’s focus on personalizing funerals led to the successful execution of Joe’s unique send-off. While traditional elements are often preferred in funerals, the flexibility to create a tribute aligned with the departed’s personality can provide comfort and promote light-heartedness during a solemn occasion. Joe’s funeral, with the specially modified coach hearse, showcased the importance of honoring final wishes and celebrating a person’s life in a way that brings joy and fond memories to family and friends gathered to pay their respects.
The story of Joe McCrystal’s funeral highlights the love and humor shared by his family, honoring his memory in a unique and memorable way. Through the use of a coach hearse instead of a hearse, Joe’s final journey was a fitting tribute to his time spent at the coach yard and his love for his son’s business. This unconventional send-off brought light-heartedness and joy to the funeral, showing that personal touches can make the grieving process more bearable. Joe’s funeral stands as a testament to the importance of celebrating life and honoring the wishes of loved ones in a meaningful way.
