Tributes paid at funeral of 'kindest man ever' Eddie Hindle

FRIENDS and family of retired ship's engineer Eddie Hindle gathered to pay tribute to a kind and gentle man.

As reported, the 74-year-old, who was the victim of a brutal assault two years ago by thieves, died at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital following a short illness.

Yesterday, mourners at Grimsby Crematorium wore the red of his beloved Liverpool Football Club for his funeral, as they remembered his energy and generosity.

During an emotional service conducted by Father Terry Atkinson, mourners heard how the German-born Mr Hindle had moved with his family to England at the age of 15, later joining the Royal Engineer's Regiment and then the Merchant Navy.

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In his retirement Mr Hindle was an active member of the Royal Antediluvian Order Of Buffaloes (ROAB), known as the Buffs, helping to raise money for various charities. Several members of the Buffs brotherhood turned out for the funeral, forming a guard of honour as Mr Hindle's coffin was brought into the crematorium chapel.

Father Atkinson said: "We will never know how many charities Eddie raised money for because he was a very private man. He loved football, history on TV and good music. He loved the neighbours in The Square and was well liked by them and will be sadly missed by many."

Father Atkinson read out some words of tribute from Mr Hindle's close friend Heiko Gerhardt, who was unable to attend the funeral, describing how Eddie "always liked the bright side of life" and was proud of his German heritage.

He added that Mr Hindle had never been the same since the attack on him in 2010.

The service closed to the sound of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol and then Monty Python's Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life, prompting laughter and applause from Mr Hindle's friends and relatives.

Toby Foot, a senior member of the RAOB's Grand Lodge of England, said: "Eddie was a very well-liked and well-respected member of the order. It is a very sad loss and he will be much missed by everybody."

Mr Hindle's brother, Hans, 75, said: "I always liked him, although as kids we fought like cat and dog. As we matured we became very good friends and I visited him as much as I could.

"I live in Conisbrough and it was a pity that the distance between us prevented us seeing each other more than we would have liked, but every time we did meet we had a smashing time. I will always remember him."

Commenting on the high turnout at the funeral, he added: "I never realised how many friends he had.

"I'm just overwhelmed."

Mr Hindle's close friend Anita Barratt, who described him as "like a father", said: "His death has left a huge hole. He was one of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever met and I am going to miss him so much, but I'm glad he is at peace and at rest now."

As reported, Mr Hindle's home was burgled just days after his death.

Steven McKenzie, 58, Norman Parry, 70, and Joanna Ayres, 31, all of Grimsby, deny burglary at a property in The Square, Weelsby Street, Grimsby, involving stealing hand tools and electrical equipment, between May 31 and June 2.

McKenzie and Ayres also deny handling stolen hand tools, belonging to Mr Hindle, but Parry admits this part of the charge.

The cases were adjourned by Grimsby magistrates until July 27 and the trio were all granted bail.