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Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis has been laid to rest in a hand-made eco-coffin.
The TV star, who was famed for playing Boycie on hit BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses, was laid to rest over the weekend and it was a fitting farewell for the conservationist.
His widow Carol shared photographs of John’s natural wicker casket – with his trademark flat cap on the top.
She revealed: “We gave my lovely man a good send off yesterday, in the pouring rain, so I’m sharing these pics with you, if you don’t mind.
“The red flash on the wicker is for the lifelong Arsenal fan and the cap was something he wore all the time!”
The service in Herefordshire was attended by Sue Holderness, who played Boycie’s wife Marlene on the BBC show.
She said: “Darling John. It was a very beautiful (and very wet) send off.
“He would have approved. Miss him. Every moment.”
Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden posted a message on social media saying: “The willow casket and flash of red a lovely touch for a man who loved nature and his team passionately.”
Telly favourite John died of cancer aged 79 last month.
Carol added: “I’d like to thank each and every one of you who has posted such lovely thoughts and words of support, and for all the love shown for John.
“It has been overwhelming and it’s a great comfort to know he will never be forgotten.”
John was living in a 12-century monastery when he died and ran his own book publishing firm.
The green-fingered couple set about turning the garden into an attraction and they threw open the doors to visitors and it was even featured on one of Alan Titchmarsh’s Chelsea Flower Show programmes.
Devoted wife Carol has since taken over control of her late husband's Twitter account @BeingBoycie that John himself used to operate himself.
She has changed the account profile description to read: “This account is now run by John’s wife Carol. Some memories, some RTs and the occasional comment. Let’s keep his memory alive.”
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On Monday, Carol shared a message sent by American rapper and actor Ice-T – who shared an unlikely friendship with John.
Ice-T tweeted previously: “I just heard John passed away.. He somehow became a Twitter friend.. I’m very sad. Although I never met him in person.. Internet friends can become close.. RIP.”
Carol replied to the message to say it is one that John himself would have loved.
She wrote: “Now this would have made John smile. He loved Ice-T @FINALLEVEL from his early days on SVU and was so looking forward to meeting him on the set in NY next year. Bah!"
- Only Fools and Horses
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