Plymouth coach firm boss makes final journey on a lorry

RON Brenton spent a life on the road – so he chose to make his final trip on the back of a lorry.

His family swapped a hearse in favour of an 11-ton cab from an articulated truck to make the former coach operator's final wish come true.

The 400hp Mercedes tractor unit was specially converted to carry Ron's coffin from the family home in Glenholt to Weston Mill Crematorium.

The lorry, which belongs to the haulage firm run by Mr Brenton's son, Gary, was named Sheron after Ron and his wife, Sheila.

Gary said: "Dad said that he wanted to ride on my lorry for his last journey.

"We took the lorry off the road for two days to make the platform to carry the coffin and a family friend, Mark Peters, drove it.

"It was a sad but brilliant day. I'm chuffed to think that he wanted to go like that and got his wish."

Ron died aged 77 on January 11 after a long illness. He leaves Sheila, Gary and a second son, Tim.

Although he retired 12 years ago he will still be remembered by many Plymouth people. He had city business Ron's Coaches for 20 years, running a fleet of 17 vehicles on continental holidays and contracts for schools and Age UK Plymouth.

When Gary set up his own haulage company, Venturer Transport, Ron helped his son buy the Mercedes 18400. Sheron is still on the road working out of the base in Exeter and usually carries mobile homes.

About 100 mourners attended the funeral and cremation.