A MEASURE of Sir Harry Lauder’s international fame could be found on one of the many wreaths on display at his funeral in Hamilton on March 2, 1950.
It bore the message, ‘In grateful remembrance of a grand life’s work’, and was signed by Winston Churchill, the once and future Prime Minister, and his wife Clementine.
Sir Harry had died at home on February 26, aged 79.
Six cars filled with wreaths from relatives, public bodies and his friends from the world of entertainment preceded the funeral cortege to Cadzow Church from Lauder Ha’, Strathaven, where a private service had been held.
Among those who had sent wreaths were the Duke of Hamilton and the impresario Val Parnell. Many were modelled on the crooked stick that had been part of Sir Harry’s stage dress.
Half an hour before the public service was due to begin, all the unreserved seats in the church had been occupied.
The blind minister, the Rev T.F. Harkness Graham, conducted the service, during which ‘Abide With Me’, ‘Lead Kindly Light’ and the 23rd psalm were sung.
The light-oak casket was slowly carried outside to the strains from the church organ of ‘Keep Right on to the End of the Road’ - one of Sir Harry’s best-known songs.
As the official party moved off from the church to Bent Cemetery, some 200 cars which had been parked in nearby streets joined the long procession. The route was lined by people, and outside the cemetery a 200-yard line of mourners waited patiently in the rain.
The graveside ceremony was carried out by the Rev Arthur C. Robertson and the Rev John MacEchern. The principal pall-bearer was Lauder’s niece, Greta.
Sir Harry was laid to rest next to the graves of his mother and brother. Once the ceremony was over, the mourners who had been waiting outside were allowed to file past his last resting place.
Read more: Herald Diary
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