John Challis, star of Only Fools & Horses, was put to rest in a handcrafted eco-coffin. The TV performer, who was best known for his role as Boycie in the famous BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, died over the weekend. And it was a fitting send-off for the environmentalist. Carol, John’s widow, posted photos of his natural wicker coffin, his signature flat cap on top.
“We gave my darling boyfriend a proper send-off yesterday, in the pouring rain, so if you don’t mind, I’m sharing these photos with you,” she said.
“The headgear was something he wore all the time, and the red flash on the wicker was for the longtime Arsenal fan!”
Sue Holderness, who played Boycie’s wife Marlene on the BBC show, attended the service in Herefordshire. “Darling John,” she said. It was a stunning (and drenching) send-off.
“He would have given his approval. I’m going to miss him. “At all times.”
“The willow coffin and flash of crimson a wonderful touch for a guy who loved nature and his team passionately,” Dragons Den actress Deborah Meaden said on social media.
John, a television favorite, died of cancer last month at the age of 79.
“I’d want to thank every one of you who has written such beautiful thoughts and words of support, as well as for all of the love shown for John,” Carol continued.
It’s been difficult, but knowing he will never be forgotten is reassuring.”
When John died, he was living in a 12th-century monastery and running his own book publishing company.
The green-fingered pair went about transforming the garden into a tourist destination, welcoming tourists and even appearing on one of Alan Titchmarsh’s Chelsea Flower Show shows.
Further, Carol, John’s devoted wife, has taken over the administration of his late husband’s Twitter account @BeingBoycie, which he used to run himself.
“This account is currently handled by John’s wife Carol,” she added to the account profile description. Some reminiscences, a few RTs, and the occasional remark. Let us honor his memory.”
On Monday, Carol posted a message from Ice-T, an American musician, and actor who had an unexpected connection with John. “I just learned John died away,” Ice-T had earlier tweeted. He managed to make a Twitter buddy. I’m in a bad mood. Even though I never met him in person. “RIP.” Internet pals may grow close.
And also, Carol responded to the message by saying that it was one that John would have enjoyed.
“Now, this would have made John smile,” she wrote. Ice-T @FINALLEVEL had been a fan of his from his early days on SVU, and he was looking forward to meeting him on the set in New York next year. Bah!”
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