Funeral for stabbing victim

HE lived a life of quiet dignity with his wife and children at its core.

Today Russell Harvey's relative and friends were due pay their last respects to a loving family man at his funeral at Ipswich Crematorium's West Chapel.

The 74-year-old was discovered in the bedroom of his Rubens Road home in Ipswich early on January 11, dying from fatal stab wounds.

Despite attempts to save him, the former factory worker died of his injuries.

Throughout the past three weeks those who knew the father-of-four have paid tribute to a man who spent his life trying to provide for his family, particularly after the death of his wife, Marjorie, last September.

Fellow pensioners from the former Crane's bowls club, which Mr Russell used to belong to, also remembered him as a kind, quiet man.

John Rayfield, of Nash Gardens, Ipswich, said: "He was a nice old boy. He used to get the stuff out for bowls like the mats and the jacks. We enjoyed his conversation and his company."

The pair knew each other for around 30 years as they both worked at the factory's Nacton Road premises in Ipswich.

Mr Rayfield said: "We used to pull his leg a little bit, but everybody like him and he was a nice person to know."

Another friend was Arthur Dolman, of Colchester Road, Ipswich, who was the secretary of Crane's pensioners' bowls club and a member of the team Mr Harvey played with when it moved to Bull Motors.

The 78-year-old said: "Russell was a very quiet fellow, but I used to thank him for getting the things out early for bowls. I think is was just a hobby for him."

Another former work colleague Tony Castle, 70, of The Mills, Rushmere St Andrew said: "He was always very quiet and highly reliable. He was just a nice chap."

His son Steven has been charged with the OAP's murder.

The 43-year-old is due appear at Ipswich Crown Court for his next hearing on April 2.