Ipswich: Hundreds join in a fond farewell to former mayor Don Edwards

IPSWICH: Hundreds of people paid their final respects to former mayor Don Edwards at his funeral at the town’s crematorium.

Mr Edwards died at the end of April, and since his death many people have contacted The Evening Star to pay tribute to one of the finest mayors people can remember.

So many people wanted to attend yesterday’s funeral that pictures and sound had to be relayed from one chapel to the other – and still there were people standing outside or craning their necks to see the video feed from the chapel foyer.

Mr Edwards, who was 76, lived in Cumberland Street with his wife Wanda – but at heart was always a “Gainsborough boy” and represented that ward on the borough council from 1979 until he retired three years ago. He was mayor in 2000/2001.

His fellow Gainsborough councillor and predecessor as mayor John Mowles paid tribute to his old friend.

He said Mr Edwards was one of the kindest people you could imagine and always wanted to help those less fortunate than himself – and he loved people.

“He always loved talking to people. Leaving any meeting or event was always a long process with Donny because he had to say goodbye personally to everyone there – that was Donny,” he said.

Mr Edwards leaves a son, David, a daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

As well as local politicians, the crematorium was also packed with football officials. Mr Edwards was a highly-respected local football referee for many years.

n Do you want to pay tribute to Don Edwards? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail evening starletters@eveningstar.co.uk