The Spectre’s final stroll through city
The Sunderland Spectre is set to don his finery and parade through Sunderland city centre one last time.
Painter Brian Moore, 77, was one of the city’s bestloved figures, dressed in Victorian garb complete with his distinctive top hat and tails and silver-topped cane.
He passed away in Sunderland Royal Hospital earlier this month, and a funeral service will be held at Sunderland Crematorium at 1pm on Tuesday, July 26.
City undertaker Manor House Funerals is footing the bill. The firm has a contract to provide “public health” funerals for people who have not left enough money to afford a full service, but the firm is paying for a bumper send-off for Brian.
“We have decided to pay forthefuneral,”saidspokesman Gavin Reynolds.
“He will be travelling in our vintage hearse.
“Brian was such a well“His known character. I have not spoken to a single person who did not know who he was.
“The service will be at 1pm on Tuesday, at Sunderland Crematorium.
“We will be taking a route to the crematorium through the city centre.
“We will start off outside the museum, go up Holmeside, then turn into Green Terrace before going up Chester Road to the crematorium, so if anyone is unable to make it to the service, they will still be able to see Brian passing through town.
top hat and silver cane will be on top of the coffin. I won’t be wearing my top hat on the day because it will be hats off to Brian.”
Gavin is appealing for memories of Brian. He added:“People can ring me on 0191 536 5000 or e-mail gavin@manorhousefunerals.co.uk and I will pass their information on to the vicar.”
Floral tributes can be sent to the firm’s Town End Farm branch, but Gavin is requesting donations be made to Brian’s favourite charity Cancer Research in lieu of flowers.