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Tears and cheers at couple's themed parting shot
It was never going to be a conventional funeral.
Friends and family travelled from far and wide to celebrate the lives of Country and Western-loving couple Arthur Wilkinson, 81, and wife Winifred, 75.
The couple, of Bayliss Close, Ribbleton, known to friends as Mick and Sylvia, died in Tombstone, Arizona, as they tried to cross a road.
They were enjoying the annual Helldorado Days event, when they were knocked down by a pick-up truck, on Monday, October 19.
Scores of the 350-strong congregation arrived at Preston Crematorium on Friday, dressed in colourful costumes, including Indians and guardsmen with guns and swords.
A man dressed as Chief Bear, wearing full Indian clothing with a large feather, guided the streams of cars into their spaces.
The hearses arrived shortly after 11am and passed through a guard of honour held by friends at the Culpepper Western Charity Show Team and the Phoenix Rebels.
Father Norman Johnston said: "Sylvia and Mick met in 2001.
"Both had lost their partners and I suppose both were looking for company again.
"Married in 2002, they were a well-matched pair as they shared these happy years together.
"A generous couple who were always ready to help out and for a bit of fun."
When Dolly Parton's rendition of Keep on the Sunny Side was played during the service, some of the congregation hugged and smiled at happy memories, while others tapped their feet.
The vicar brought chuckles of laughter when he recounted Mick's gun battle re-enactments.
He said: "Mick being a Southern Confederate, was not always on the winning side.
"I was told when he was shot it took him rather a long time to hit the dust.
"Mick and Sylvia loved the Country and Western scene and this brought them together with lots of people who shared their interests – good and faithful friends."
A man from Bamber Bridge, who came dressed as Swift Eagle, said: "They were really nice people. I have known them for 30 years and it was a sad day.
"Everybody has given them a good send off and it has kept nice."
Speaking after the funeral, Rev Michael Dolan, who did the scripture readings, said: "It was a wonderful celebration of a happy life.
"I have done hundreds of funerals but have never seen anything to match this."
The couple leave behind Mick's sons Mark, 43, and Michael, 41, who live in Italy, his daughter Victoria, 37, and Winifred's children Ian, 48, Lynn, 50, Debbie, 40, and Gary, 49.
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Weather for Preston
Saturday 04 February 2012
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