24/08/2026
⚫️⚪️🏉With family permission⚫️⚪️🏉
Today, we had the honour of looking after Alex on his final journey.
When meeting with Alex’s family, they told us they wanted his journey to be uplifting and full of smiles. Although their hearts were breaking at such a young loss of life, they wanted Alex’s service to be a true celebration of his life.
Matt knew exactly who the celebrant needed to be to look after Alex, local Celebrant Alastair Devine. He knew Alastair would truly capture Alex’s life and personality.
The family also requested that Alex spend his time with us at Parkin’s in our Dove Chapel. This was the chapel where previous family members had laid in rest over the years, and it seemed only right that Alex should rest there too.
As the hearse was prepared, Alex’s coffin was draped at one end with the Hull FC flag, representing his beloved club, and at the other with his Pride flag, something he was so very proud of.
The silver Mercedes hearse then made its way across the city to the family home, where all of Alex’s family were waiting to greet him back home. Everyone waiting was dressed in Pride colours, determined to make the day as bright and colourful as possible.
The hearse then made its way to Chanterlands Crematorium for Alex’s service, where he was greeted by Alastair Devine. Unbeknown to anyone other than the family, they had requested that Alastair wear his multicoloured suit. He replied that he would be honoured to wear it as his own tribute to Alex.
On hearing this, Matt also swapped his traditional tie for a matching Pride coloured one.
The service began with Tina Turner’s Simply the Best as the family entered the chapel and continued with many memories and stories celebrating Alex’s life. There were touching stories of attending the MKM Stadium to watch his beloved Hull FC, where he had been a season ticket holder for many years, as well as his love of socialising with family and friends. Another of Alex’s major passions was attending Pride events around the country.
As we listened to Alex’s story, Alastair explained that Alex’s life was much shorter than it should have been, but that he had lived a wonderful life, full of love and laughter.
A special thank you to Louise Wharram Florist for the beautiful flowers requested by the family. As always, they were made to absolute perfection.
And to Alastair Devine, thank you for such a wonderful and uplifting service. Once again, you made a difficult day for the family a little easier, especially by wearing the requested Pride suit as a tribute to Alex.
Rest easy, Alex. Keep watching those mighty Black and Whites, and for one last time, the lyrics to your beloved club are below.
Matt and all at Team John Parkin
Old Faithful
⚫️⚪️ Old Faithful, we’ll roam the range together
Old Faithful, in any kind of weather
When the roundup days are over
And the Boulevard’s white with clover
For you, Old Faithful, pal of mine
Giddy up, old fella, ’cause the moon is yellow tonight
Giddy up, old fella, ’cause the moon is mellow and bright
There’s a coyote howling at the moon above
So carry me back to the one I love
For you, Old Faithful, pal of mine ⚫️⚪️
