Flat cap tribute to 'people's warrior' Ron Bryant

MOURNERS attending the funeral of a community champion are being ask to wear a flat cap in his memory.

The funeral of Ron Bryant, described by his family as "the people's warrior", takes place next Tuesday at Northern Cemetery.

Mr Bryant, 86, was often seen travelling around Beverley on his mobility scooter, wearing his flat cap.

The retired dock engineer was known for keeping the council on its toes when he lived in Withernsea and, more recently, Beverley.

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His son Kevin Bryant, 56, of Withernsea, said: "He was well-known in Withernsea, where he lived before moving to Beverley about nine years ago.

"He was the people's warrior who would help anybody. Even if he was having his dinner, he would happily stop and help a resident out."

Mr Bryant Senior led campaigns against dog mess in Withernsea, going around putting Union Flags in the mess on the seafront.

He also fought for more help and support for people suffering from mental health issues and stood up to noisy youths on the Kirkfield Estate.

Withernsea Town Councillor Keith Hardcastle remembers one protest in particular.

"When cars stopped at the traffic lights, they would block the entrance to Withernsea hospital," he said.

"Ron asked for white lines to be painted on the road to stop cars blocking the entrance.

"He asked the council once or twice and nothing happened, so he painted the lines on himself.

"Every time I saw him in Withernsea, he would have something to throw at me.

"Even when he moved to Beverley, I would still see him every now and again and stop and have a chat."

Ron, of Coronation Close, Beverley, battled to survive for ten days after being involved in a crash in Goxhill, North Lincolnshire, where he was recovering from vascular surgery on his legs, an operation in which he was given a 50/50 chance of recovery.

He was the front-seat passenger in a red Renault Scenic that collided with a black Mazda at 2.30pm on January 31. Ron was not expected to last the night in hospital, but fought on for ten days.

His son Ken, of east Hull, said: "I don't blame anyone for the crash – it was an accident. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Ron leaves behind his sons Kevin and Ken, daughter-in-law Ann and grandchildren Michelle and Paul.

In their tribute, Ken and Ann said: "Dad, you always fought for what you believed in but this was one fight you were unable to win."

The family has asked for only their flowers at the funeral, with donations made at the 1pm service on March 5 going to the high dependency unit at Hull Royal Infirmary and Lincolnshire Air Ambulance. Posting in the family announcements in the Mail, his relatives said: "As a mark of respect for Ron, please bring a flat cap to the service."