TATTY-BYE TO SIR DODDY
SIR Ken Dodd was famous for keeping his audiences in stitches way past their bedtime and his funeral in Liverpool was no exception yesterday, overrunning by half an hour.
The celebration saw thousands of well-wishers, including children in Diddymen outfits and armed with tickling sticks, pay tribute as the shire horsedrawn hearse travelled from his home in Knotty Ash to the city’s Anglican Cathedral.
Sir Ken died aged 90 just days after marrying his partner of 40 years Anne Jones. Fellow Liverpool comic Jimmy Tarbuck summed up the star’s contribution to British comedy with one word – “happiness”.
He said: “He sang Happiness because he gave happiness.”
He added: “He was the greatest stage comedian I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Applause rang out as Sir Ken’s wooden casket was carried into the cathedral, adorned with a bouquet of sunflowers atop a trademark Diddymen wreath. Another comic Jimmy Cricket gave a gospel reading and described Sir Ken as “one of the most gifted comedians”.
He said: “Ken always said his gift, his talents, were from God and comedians like Ken, they only come once in a lifetime. “We thank God today.” A recording of the comedian singing Absent Friends was played before Diddymen followed Anne and family as they left for a private internment.
Other celebrity mourners who flocked to the funeral included Les Dennis, Tom O’Connor and Claire Sweeney.
Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson said: “He was just a one-off, wasn’t he? You can’t compare anyone with Doddy.”
THE people of Liverpool turned out in large numbers to say farewell to one of their most famous – and funniest – sons: Sir Ken Dodd got the send-off he richly deserved. Tickling sticks were everywhere and so were the Diddymen as the Squire of Knotty Ash was laid to rest.
RIP, Ken. You made us happy in life – and even in death.