RETURNED TO LAND HE LOVED
Bill Wyllie carried to his old farm, Masonhill
The farmer who sold his pasture so Ayr could have its own crematorium exactly half a century ago has died.
And there was only ever going to be one place for Bill Wyllie’s finale.
Ayr Crematorium was named after Bill’s farm Masonhill.
He died on July 13 at the grand old age of 95 – and his family made sure he had a splendid send- off on Thursday July 13.
Bill had a great love of Clydesdale draught horses so it was arranged by Barry Whalen Funeral Directors that a pair should pull his hearse.
Mare Katie and stallion Batman carried Bill on his last journey.
They left from outside his home in Clarke Drive, Seafield, and never put a foot wrong on the three miles to the crematorium.
Bill’s daughter Lucy Wiseman said: “It was very much a returning home to the land that he tended. That was said during the service.
“Even after giving up the farm he was always up early in the mornings, always busy.
“The horses were absolutely magnificent and my father and his father were involved with and loved Clydesdale horses.
“The Clydesdales’ manes were done up with the traditional farming plaits.
“It was a terrific send- off and the weather was kind to us, which made all the difference.”
Undertaker Barry Whalen said: “We sourced the horses and carriage in Perth and I believe it is the first time Clydesdales have been used in Ayrshire in this way.
“It was quite a spectacle and we were delighted to assist the family in providing such a special send- off.”
Masonhill Farm, which majored on dairy for generations, was sold for housing when the by- pass was ordered through the land.
Bill and his wife Yvonne – who died 20 years ago – retained land on the other side of the by- pass and built a home and smallholding at Cloverhill.
Seven acres of Masonhill land was sold for the much- needed crematorium.
Bill leaves three children, Andrew, Lucy and William Wiseman.