Friday, June 8, 2012

Funeral of Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb to be held today in Thame, Oxfordshire - @BBCNews

Robin GibbRobin Gibb's family will hold a private service at St Mary's Church in the town

The funeral of Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb is to be held later in his home town in Oxfordshire.

The singer, who lived in Thame, died from kidney failure last month after suffering from cancer and pneumonia.

A glass-sided carriage, drawn by four horses, will travel through the town at about 13:30 BST followed by a private church service.

His son Robin-John said the Bee Gees hit I Started A Joke would be played at the church.

The track Don't Cry Alone, which is one of Gibb's final compositions from his Titanic Requiem - premiered only weeks before his death - will also be played.

'Very genuine man'

His family said his wish was to say a "final goodbye" to fans and the town.

Radio presenter Henry Wymbs has known the Gibb family for a number of years as Robin's wife Dawina was a fan of his Irish Eye programme.

Mr Wymbs said: "Part of my youth died with him because he created so many of the songs I loved.

"But I enjoyed meeting him. He was humble, down to earth, a very genuine man who wasn't affected by fame or wealth.

"Apparently he had really become a part of the community in Thame and I can believe that because he was such a nice man."

The carriage will leave from Priests End and travel along the High Street to the town hall.

It will then return through the High Street to St Mary's Church where a private family service will be held.