The funeral of Jay Fewtrell has taken place in York this morning – complete with a biker procession and lots of sunflowers.
Jay died suddenly at his home last month.
With his wife, the soprano Rebecca Newman, he set up the York Proms. and Rebecca was determined that his final send-off would be a celebration of his life, which was so sadly cut short. He was only 38.
Jay Fewtrell, orginally from Birmingham, was a keen biker and some of his friends who he joined for two European tours came to accompany him on the journey to the crematorium.
Rebecca made sure that sunflowers adorned the route from the Dormouse pub past the hospital and through the city centre.
Her dress reflected that theme too. Everyone else wore something that was orange, his favourite colour.
Along with the bikers, Jay also had a Viking escort.
He loved everything to do with Vikings and was retraining to be a gas engineer with his own firm called Viking Gas already set up.
Jormumgandr York Vikings were there to lead him across Lendal Bridge.
Jay died after a heart attack at his home in off Shipton Road despite the desperate attempts of Rebecca and then paramedics to save him.
He also leaves behind a son, Logan, who is nearly three years old.
Because of Covid restrictions, only a few of Jay’s many friends could be at the funeral. That is why Rebecca put so much effort into making the procession “uniquely him”.
Brady Harrison told YorkMix that Jay touched so many people’s lives and it was hardly surprising that so many turned up to say farewell along the route.
He worked with Jay when they were both at the York Hospital pharmacy.
Brady said: “He was my best friend and someone who I looked up to.
“We had a lot of fun, especially when playing golf together.
“I remember one time when we had a drink after, he gave me his bank card to get the next round in.
“I was a bit drunk so ordered the best and most expensive champagne.
“Jay just laughed, he was that kind of guy”
