Horses in Liverpool colours for big Joe's last ride (From Leigh Journal)

Tyldesley funeral horses in Liverpool colours for big Joe's last ride

7:50am Thursday 14th February 2013 in News

JOE Huyton liked to stand out from the ordinary and as an outgoing character, six feet four inches tall, he was always going to do that.

So his big, close-knit family decided they would give the 35-year-old the biggest send off possible following his death at home in Tyldesley.

Four resplendent plumed black horses, wearing the bright red colours of Joe's beloved Liverpool FC heroes, toured the streets of Tyldesley and Atherton pulling the hearse containing his similarly decorated coffin.

"Joe was a big, gregarious lad with a huge smile. He was a keen Liverpool soccer fan and used to love winding up his mates who supported Manchester United," said his 56 year-old mum, Yvonne Quinn.

"He was outgoing and so we asked the mourners to wear red ties.

"Joe had worked for an engineering firm, a security company and a plastics firm.

"He had worked for six years as a yard labourer and was a first aider and health and safety representative at MGF tunnelling and excavation equipment suppliers in Wallwork Road, Astley.

"Joe loved Liverpool FC and we are grateful to Paul and Lynn at Banks' Funerals in Tyldesley who obtained permission from the club to use its emblem."

The friendly giant was found dead by his partner, Helen Williams, at their home in Park Street, Tyldesley in the early hours of January 26. Police said there were no suspicious circumstabnces and an inquest will be held into his death.

Speaking at her home in Derby Road, Golborne his mum revealed how this was the second tragedy to befall the family and had left Joe's grandparents, Ann and Joe Quinn of North Lane, Blackmoor, devastated.

In October 2001 she was living in Warwick Road, Atherton when Joe's younger brother Rob died after a hit-and-run incident in Cross Street, Atherton.

Joe was two years older than Rob and as a mark of respect the family decided that the funeral procession would pass along Cross Street and Warwick Road on the Hag Fold estate at Atherton before the funeral service took place at St George's Church, Tyldesley followed by interment at Howe Bridge Cemetery.