The king of rock ‘n’ roll was an ever-present feature for Michael Willock, known to all as Mick. Elvis’ music provided the soundtrack to the Pontefract resident’s life as he was forever crooning the tunes, playing his music, attending tribute performances or belting out the hits at his local community centre. No one was surprised when his dying wish turned out to be an Elvis themed funeral in his hometown.
The Pontefract branch of Co-op Funeralcare pulled out all the stops, working with the superfan’s family, to give him the send-off his heart had desired.
“From the first conversation with Karen [Mick’s daughter], it was evident she wanted to create a truly unique and personal send-off for her dad,” says funeral arranger Becca Robinson. “The whole service was a real celebration of Mick’s life, which is exactly how the family wanted it to be. It was an honour to be a part of it.”
The 80-year-old travelled in style to Pontefract Crematorium in a bespoke coffin decorated with dozens of pictures of Presley through the ages. Later his ashes were housed in a matching casket.
The King or rather the local version of him, tribute artist David Valentine, known as The Yorkshire Elvis, led the funeral procession in full Las Vegas-period garb.
Valentine serenaded the congregation during the service with three of Willock’s favourite songs, Amazing Grace, the Wonder of You, and American Trilogy. By all accounts there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Mick’s daughter Karen Hardy said: “Lauren Bottomley, the funeral director, and Becca, the funeral arranger, listened to every idea we had and made everything we wanted possible, which made the day very special. They really gave our dad the best send-off we could’ve hoped for.”