SAFC anthem played at John Hays' funeral service as family thank the North East for tributes

The family of Hays travel boss John Hays have spoken of how much the public reaction to his death has menat to them after his funeral.
By Kevin Clark
Published 25th Nov 2020, 11:50 BST
Updated 25th Nov 2020, 16:26 BST
John Hays' family say they have been moved by the hundreds of tributes paid to the businessmanJohn Hays' family say they have been moved by the hundreds of tributes paid to the businessman
John Hays' family say they have been moved by the hundreds of tributes paid to the businessman

A service for family and friends was held at Sunderland Crematorium this morning.

Members of the public turned out to pay their respects as the cortege made its way from the family home in Whitburn along the seafront.

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It slowed to walking pace as it passed the firm’s Keel Square head office so staff could say goodbye.

Funeral cortege for John Hays passes through Keel Square as Hays Travel staff pay respect.Funeral cortege for John Hays passes through Keel Square as Hays Travel staff pay respect.
Funeral cortege for John Hays passes through Keel Square as Hays Travel staff pay respect.

Just 30 people were allowed to attend the celebration of John’s life in Sunderland, but a video will be shared with 7,500 Hays Travel staff afterwards.

There were tributes from close friends and family, and John’s favourite pieces of music were played, including Nat King Cole’s ‘Smile’, suggested by staff as it reflects the company motto; ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, an anthem of John and brother Malcolm’s beloved SAFC, and personal favourites ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’.

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Jeff Brown, John’s friend and tennis partner, said: “John was a special guy, who took as much pleasure from helping others succeed as he did from his own, amazing achievements.”

Flowers are laid across a bench in John's memory.Flowers are laid across a bench in John's memory.
Flowers are laid across a bench in John's memory.
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John was a keen supporter of the Customs House in South Shields and director Ray Spencer said: “John was a good man who did good things for many people. He was as proud of his region as it was of him.”

The family issued a statement expressing regret more people had not been able to attend and thanking well-wishers for their support: “We would like to thank everyone for their kindness to the family and to our employees all over the UK.

"We are overwhelmed by the thousands of wonderful tributes, offers of support and messages full of love that we have had. They have truly helped us all through these last few days.

“We also want to thank the thousands of people who donated a fiver to John’s pride and joy - the Hays Travel Foundation which helps young people to be the best they can be. And Sunderland City Council who arranged to light up the city’s bridges and monuments.

People lined the streets to watch the funeral procession pass by.People lined the streets to watch the funeral procession pass by.
People lined the streets to watch the funeral procession pass by.
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“John loved his family, his friends, his city, his job and of course his extended Hays Travel family, dearly.

"He would have been honoured and very proud.”

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Related topics:North EastSAFC