Family and friends were joined by colleagues and representatives of nearly every musical genre in a packed a church in Stockport yesterday to pay their respects to Richard Scott, BMus (Tonmeister).

They were there to celebrate, as well as remember a wonderful personal and outstanding professional life, with mourners greeted at St Thomas's Church, where both Richard and his wife Jane were actively involved, by the sound of Elgar's 'Nimrod'.

Over the years as choir master, Richard had encouraged its choir to perform to the very highest standards, with the annual Christmas Concert a particular musical highlight of the local community year.

Respect

That personal commitment and deep appreciation to the art of making music as one of the most sought after sound engineers was something that not only brought joy to friends but huge professional respect from colleagues, be it with pop legends 10cc and Sir Cliff Richard to professional orchestras and ensembles, brass bands, choirs and numerous soloists.

Little wonder the church was filled by representatives of such a wide scope of musical genres.

Music was therefore at the heart of the service, with hymns sung and memories recalled with warmth and affection by lifelong friends John Turner and Dr Brett Baker alongside the eulogy from Rev Lynne Cullens.

Cricket and sauce

Stories were told and memories recalled of a man whose passions in life away from the professional world he immersed himself included the Halle Choir, cricket, (especially his native county Yorkshire and hours of pleasure watching his sons play for Mottram Cricket Club), Lea & Perrins sauce (on virtually everything he ate) and trains.

Such was his dedication to his craft, that it was recalled that at university he forgot that his parents had moved home, only to arrive at the house to be greeted by the new occupants!

His Christian faith underpinned his life — one shared with great joy and love with his wife Jane and supported by sons, Michael and Stephen.

Music was therefore at the heart of the service, with hymns sung and memories recalled with warmth and affection4BR

Positivity

A close knit, supportive family admitted to have been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of love and support offered to them during Richard's illness and following his passing. They also acknowledged his battle with cancer — one borne with positivity.

The coffin was carried out to the sound of the organ and augmented choristers from St Thomas's and the Halle Choir with 'Nunc Dimittus'.

Donations in memory of Richard Scott are welcome to be made to the Christie Hospital and Willow Wood Hospice.