The streets of Ashton Gate, Bedminster and Bedminster Down are expected to come to a standstill next month when the funeral of avid Bristol City fan and South Bristol character Stoney Garnett takes place.
The full details of Stoney’s funeral have been revealed, with the family inviting everyone who knew him to come and share a celebration of his life on the afternoon of Friday, September 2.
A horse-drawn carriage will carry Stoney on his last journey, leaving Ashton Gate Stadium at 3pm, and travelling up Winterstoke Road to Parson Street and up Bedminster Down Road to the South Bristol Crematorium, with the service beginning at 3.45pm.
Read more: South Bristol shares its memories of Bristol City fan legend Stoney Garnett
After the service, the wake will take place back at Ashton Gate, with Bristol City opening up part of the stadium for a celebration of his life.
A spokesperson for the Garnett family has said that people are welcome and encouraged to join the funeral cortege as it leaves Ashton Gate for the mile and a half journey up to the crematorium. They have also asked that, instead of flowers, people who want to should consider making a donation to the Royal British Legion in Stoney Garnett’s name.
“The family would also like to welcome all who knew Stoney to the service and then afterwards on to Ashton Gate, home of Bristol City Football Club, to celebrate the life and times of Stoney Garnett. To recognise Stoney’s absolute love and devotion to Bristol City, they have also asked for everyone to wear something red on the day. Seen as South Bristol aristocracy by some, he is a rare character that will be missed by many,” they added. “As Stoney would say: ‘The sky is blue but on this day it will be red’.”
Stoney was a postman, comedian, compere, actor, raconteur, teller of tall tales, joker and aspiring politician - he stood for city Mayor twice in 2012 and 2016 - as well as being an avid Bristol City fan with his trademark red fedora with a feather. His passing was marked in the 76th minute of Saturday's first home game of the season at Ashton Gate, with City fans giving a minute's standing ovation, and many hundreds wearing red hats in tribute to him.
Good friend and fellow comedian Lee Carroll is officiating at the funeral, and promised a ‘huge celebration of his life’.
The former Star radio, Sky and ITV West presenter worked with Stoney on TV and film sets together. “Stoney married my cousin Jackie and I grew up with him - he was instrumental in my early career with my wife Lynn in the comedy double act Sweet & Simple. I saw their children grow up and have children of their own,” he said.
“Stoney lived for his family and his work - nothing was too much trouble for him, he was born to entertain and entertain he did. The whole world was his stage and he never stopped making people laugh, he was a one off,” Lee added.
Lee moved to Staffordshire in 2016 but kept in touch with Stoney, and worked on TV and film sets together.
“It was a pleasure going to work if you knew Stoney was on set, as you never knew what he was going to get up to,” said Lee. “The biggest stars laughed at Stoney, including Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier, Jason Connery and Ray Winstone, to name a few. He had the place in uproar - anyone that knew him was blessed to have had that privilege,” he added.
A large crowd is expected at South Bristol but the funeral directors Thomas Davis are pointing out that not everyone will be able to be seated in the crematorium, and crowds could gather outside. A double slot has been booked at the Crem. “The family are grateful for all the accolades and love for their father but would like their privacy wishes to be respected,” said Lee.
Read next:
- Tributes to Bristol City superfan Stoney Garnett
Bristol City CEO leads tributes to club legend Stoney Garnett as fans share touching anecdotes
Appeal to help Stoney Garnett's family pay for Bristol legend's funeral
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