A FORMER soldier who died in Ruabon was "paid a great tribute" at his funeral in Wrexham.

George Formstone, a former Royal Welsh Fusilier serviceman, was buried at Plas Acton Cemetery in Wrexham, after a service attended by many of his friends and acquaintances, as well as family members.

FLOW.Wales sent out a public appeal Monday asking: "Are you able to attend funeral of RWF Veteran at Plas Acton Cemetery Wrexham.

"Died at his home age 81 with no family to attend funeral. #finaljourney #armedforces."

The Leader:

Video and images by Geoff Abbott

Born in Hope, Mr Formstone served in the RWF during the 1950s, deployed in Cyprus and Germany during his time.

He became a member of the Prince Albert Angling Society in 1981, a prestigious fishing club based in Cheshire, and remained a member up until his death.

Standard bearers of the Royal British Legion led Mr Formstone's coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack flag, through Plas Acton Cemetery, followed behind by the 1st and 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh, while the tune of 'Marching On Together' was played, the song of Mr Formstone's beloved Leeds United.

The former soldier has been described as a popular member of the Ruabon community, particularly at The Bridge End Inn and The Vaults, which he frequented to watch football and enjoy a pint of beer.

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Peter McGivern, landlord of The Bridge End Inn, described him as "a loner, but he was certainly not alone".

"George was a very private person, and if he knew about the fuss that's been made about him, as good-willed as it has been, he'd be very surprised."

Mr McGivern read out a eulogy prepared by Mr Formstone's best friend "Barry and his daughters", who were unable to attend.

In the eulogy he was described as being a man of simple pleasures, with a love of fishing and football.

The Leader:

"The smallest things in life brought you the greatest pleasure. A pint, a pipe and a fishing rod in your hand and you were content.

"Our life-long passion for trout and salmon fishing would have us packing up our VW campervans and taking us to our favourite places.

"I am forever grateful for you intuitively recognising the sense of freedom and enjoyment those days gave me when my mobility declined.

"Fair well George my old friend, until we meet again in the great fishing pond in the sky."

The Leader:

The service was concluded as attendee's declared, "At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them"

Bugler Mia Thomas played the Last Post and Reveille as the standard bearers raised their flags.

County Cllr David Griffiths, Wrexham’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “The service was excellent and was greatly attended by friends, some family, Royal Welsh, and members of the public to pay a great tribute to George.”

WO2 Nigel Jones, who led the Royal Welsh guard of honour, said they were “immensely proud” to attend Mr Formstone’s funeral.

The Leader:

“We saw the appeal in the paper and decided to attend the funeral when we realised he was a Royal Welsh family member," said Mr Jones.

“It’s nice to give something back to somebody who’s served with the regiment regardless of their generation because they are still part of the Royal Welsh family.”

Ray Jones, of the Royal Welsh Veterans Association, who attended the funeral, said “For any veterans out there who feel like they are alone, you don’t have to be.

“The Royal Welsh Veterans Association has regular meetings in Wrexham. They take place at the Memorial Hall by Tesco, on the last Tuesday of every month."

The Leader: