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Farmer’s coffin taken on tractor ride for ‘one last visit’ to see his cows

A much-loved farmer who passed away last month was the subject of a special tribute, organised by his family.

George Brookes, 85, was a farmer from Uttoxeter and having passed on July 31, his family wanted to give him a special send-off that they knew he would have appreciated, StaffordshireLive reports.

On the day of his funeral, George’s coffin was lofted on top of his tractor “so he could see the cows” one last time, according to his son David.

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David Brookes, who is a former East Staffordshire councillor, said that following his father’s retirement, the farmer would always ask to be driven to the farm “just so he could see the cows”, a request David followed through with for his father’s funeral.



George Brookes was a much-loved member of his community
George’s coffin was taken on his tractor so he could see his cows one last time

George and his family moved to Lower Loxley Farm near Uttoxeter in 1949 and David has continued in his father’s footsteps as he continues to work on the farm today.

He said: “He was a very well known and much loved man in the area. Everyone knew George and he had around 300 mourners at his funeral.

“He was a character and passionate about his lifestyle and the farm he lived and worked on. He was incredibly proud of us children and his grandchildren, always saying not one of then had a lazy bone in their bodies, which he always taught them to be like.”



George Brookes was a much-loved member of his community
300 mourners turned up to George’s funeral to pay their respects (stock image)

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George and his wife Kath ended up having four children, 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

David added: “If you ever needed George he would often be found in a pub. He would always turn up five minutes before it was due to close and he’d still be sat in the same place hours later.

“More than anything though he loved his cows. He would often ask to be drove to the farm after he retired just so he could see the cows, which is why for his funeral for one last visit to see his cows.”

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