VIDEO: Poignant tribute to former coxswain of Skegness RNLI Lifeboat

Crew members have formed a guard of honour in a poignant tribute to a much-loved former Skegness RNLI coxswain, who died on October 1, aged 57.
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The funeral procession for Richard Watson, or Watty as so many knew him, stopped outside the Lifeboat Station for a few minutes on Wednesday morning before continuing to Alford Crematorium.

With 'caps off', the crew stood in silence on the deck of the RNLB Joel and April Grunnill Lifeboat on which Mr Watson had served.

Among the many onlookers who had gathered to pay their respects were members of the Grammar School Old Boys, who sang the school anthem, Jerusalem.

Skegness RNLI Lifeboat crew formed a guard of honour to pay tribute to former coxswain Richard Watson (Watty).Skegness RNLI Lifeboat crew formed a guard of honour to pay tribute to former coxswain Richard Watson (Watty).
Skegness RNLI Lifeboat crew formed a guard of honour to pay tribute to former coxswain Richard Watson (Watty).

The crowd showed their support with applause as the procession moved off, passing other official respect points at Seacroft Golf Club, Skegness Cricket Club, Mr Watson's place of work.and Gunby Roundabout, where many others were waiting to pay their respects.

*The Skegness Standard will be paying tribute to the local hero in next week's edition of the newspaper.