The family of Peter Baglin never gave up in their search - clutching on to the hope that one day he would walk back through the door.
The doting dad, grandad and great-grandad vanished after going out for a walk days after Christmas, on the evening of December 28 last year. What followed was almost ten agonising weeks of waiting and searching, before his body was tragically found on March 4.
On Monday (April 3) his friends and loved ones were finally able to say an emotional farewell as hundreds turned out to pay respects at his funeral.
Dressed in black and clutching flowers and cards containing handwritten heartfelt messages, mourners arrived with their heads bowed and embracing one another outside Howe Bridge Crematorium.
It marked the chance for them to say their last goodbyes to Peter, known as Pete to those close to him, in a touching ceremony that was filled with laughter, love and tears. The crematorium was full, with mourners listening to the tributes and reminicant stories from the outside.
Laying the 55-year-old to rest was a bittersweet final chapter - it was the ending nobody wanted, but gave his family the answers they so desperately needed.
Following his death, his wife and partner of almost three decades Michelle said it was the day the family 'wished would never come'.
She said: "Our family is absolutely devastated at the news of Pete’s passing. When I think of Pete, I think of him as my best buddy and after being together almost 30 years, we complemented each other perfectly.
“He was a fantastic father, grandfather and great-grandfather; to our three children, our four grandchildren and our great-grand child. Pete was also a great brother to his two brothers. He was a much loved son and his mum and dad are being comforted at their home down south by Pete’s brother Paul and Paul’s wife, Katie.
“Over the last nine or so weeks, we have been endlessly searching for Pete. I would like to pass on a huge thanks from our family to friends and members of the community who have turned out time and time again trying to help us find him."
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