Reg White's funeral & memorial service held in Brightlingsea
by Gael Pawson 14 Jun 2010 23:41 BST
14 June 2010
The funeral and memorial service for sailing and boatbuilding legend Reg White was held in Brightlingsea today.
A private funeral service for the family was followed by a packed memorial service at All Saints Church in Brightlingsea, Essex - hometown to the Olympic gold medallist throughout his life.
The church was full to bursting, matched by a crowd in the sunshine outside. Family, friends, Olympic medallists, boat builders and sailors from across the world made the trip to pay their respects and celebrate the life of an amazing man.
The service included moving tributes by lifelong friends of Reg, Bob Fisher and his Olympic crew John Osbourn, as the church was buffeted by a perfect sailing breeze. Afterwards, those in attendance were welcomed to Brightlingsea Sailing Club, where the tide was fittingly up and the bar was open. As Reg's Brightlingsea One Design sailed past the club, the crowd applauded, enjoying a special beer in the sunshine as they shared their memories of a man who epitomised the very best of sailing, and will universally be remembered for his smile and generous nature.