Mervyn to get a cracker send-off

MERVYN Hull wanted to go out with a bang and tonight he will get his wish. The 83-year-old died last year following a battle with cancer but his life will be celebrated in a unique fashion as his s ashes are fired above the Broadwater in an a m b i t i o u s fireworks display. T h e display will be held at Mitchell Park from 6.15pm when more than 200 four-inch shells full of the colourful explosives are fired, with his ashes mixed in. The spectacle has been organised by his son Craig who runs Ashes to Ashes, a fireworks funeral service. Mr Hull said tonight’s service would be an emotional affair. “My dad said before he died that he did not want his ashes to just sit around in a jar after his death and that he wanted to be sent up in the fireworks,” he said. “It is going to be really emotional and I never thought I would be honouring my dad this way. “There will be plenty of family and friends coming, including some from interstate but it is open to the p public too if they w would like to see th the display.” Mr Hull was b born in 1933 and w worked as a motor mechanic and truck driver until he retired ti in 2 2014. H e died on November b 23 surrounded by fa family inc c l u d i n g his beloved wife Coral, whose birthday was the same day. The younger Mr Hull began his fireworks funeral business in 2012 and has conducted more than 12 services in that time. Each costs around $5000, in line with many regular funerals. Tonight’s service will use larger shells than normal to create a more vibrant and spectacular display. Mr Hull said he wanted to give his father a fitting farewell. “It will be the farewell my dad deserves as well as a celebration of his life,” Mr Hull said.