A Salvation Army band leader was honoured with a special service in Blackburn.
John Colbert died aged 96 on April 15 and had held a number of roles within the Salvation Army including bandsman, young people’s band leader, deputy songster (choir) leader, songster, corps secretary and assistant scout leader.
He had wished for some of his favourite hymns to be played by fellow band members.
On Wednesday morning, ahead of his funeral, friends and family gathered at the Salvation Army on Vicar Street to hear about his life. The service was attended by his son, Paul and daughter Wendy who paid tribute to the enduring legacy of their father.
Obituary: Tributes to popular Salvation Army band leader John Colbert
The service was a celebration of John’s life which had touched so many people during his years in Blackburn and Doncaster.
He performed at many locations in Lancashire and Yorkshire and his family had links with the organisation hailing back to the 1800s.
John had planned his own funeral many years ago and, at his request, the Salvation Army put together a band of approximately 20 players to accompany the songs at the funeral and to play music.
He also asked for a Salvation Army March ‘Emblem of the Army’ to be played by the band as the coffin left to head to Pleasington Cemetery and Crematorium.
His wish was to be cremated in Blackburn with his ashes interred in the family grave in Great Harwood.
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