GALLERY: Richard bades a fond farewell as his coffin is carried on the front of a digger through March

Richard Lock's coffin on a digger. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Instead of being transported in a hearse, Richard Lock’s coffin was carried on the front of a digger through the town.

Richard Lock's coffin on a digger. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The procession set off from funeral directors Turner & Son, headed down Broad Street and picked up family and friends in Elliott Road before travelling to Ramsey, where he was buried.

Richard Lock (Image: Archant)

The gathering then returned to The Braza Club in March where they reminisced about Mr Lock and enjoyed a fish and chip supper.

Mr Lock, of Elliott Road, March, collapsed and died suddenly on January 27 aged 57.

He left behind his wife of 10 years Margaret Lock, two children Kevin and Suzanne, and two grandsons Jack and Josh.

His widow Mrs Lock said: “We wanted to send my husband off in style. He was a real character who lived life to the full. Rules and regulations did not apply to him.

“We were very happily married for 10 years and had a very good family around us.

“Richard worked with big machines all his life. He worked very hard but when he got home he turned into a dotting dad and a besotted grandfather.

“He loved nothing more than to curl up with a bowl of popcorn and watch Tom and Jerry.

“I was very lucky to be with him. He would ring me 20 times a day to tell me he loved me.”

Mrs Lock can vividly remember the last time they spoke.

She said: “It was 4.05pm. He called me to say he had another job and I said never mind, I’ll see you later.

“We told each other we loved each other and that was that.

“They say he finished the job and then dropped to the floor.”

RTC Plant Services, of Peterborough, posted its own tribute to Mr Lock on its website.

It read: “It is with regret that we have to announce the passing of Richard Lock, our colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed.”