Hundreds gather to say final farewell to popular Morecambe scrapyard boss Ken Allen

Crowds of mourners lined the streets to say goodbye to well-known scrapyard boss Ken Allen today.
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Ken passed away at home on January 31, aged 74.

A private family funeral service was held at Beetham Hall Crematorium today, Tuesday.

And beforehand, the streets were full of people paying their respects as they lined the route to Ken Allen Auto Wreckers on White Lund.

Ken Allen's funeral cortege passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin StuttardKen Allen's funeral cortege passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
Ken Allen's funeral cortege passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
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The funeral cortege passed through the industrial estate, stopping outside Ken's premises, where the well-wishers were thanked by his family.

Two trucks from Ken's firm then joined the cortege, taking with them a floral tribute in the shape of a lorry which spelt out the word 'Boss'.

The cortege made its way from White Lund to Westgate and on towards Regent Road, Morecambe Promenade, Marine Road and through Carnforth on its way to Beetham.

After Ken's passing, his family put a message on Facebook to thank everyone for their support.

One of Ken Allen's trucks joins the funeral cortege, carrying a floral tribute from the firm. Photo by Kelvin StuttardOne of Ken Allen's trucks joins the funeral cortege, carrying a floral tribute from the firm. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
One of Ken Allen's trucks joins the funeral cortege, carrying a floral tribute from the firm. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
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"We are devastated and heartbroken by the sudden passing of our amazing beloved, husband/dad/grandfather and wonderful friend to many," they said.

"The family would like to say the biggest of thank yous for your tremendous amount of love, thoughts, memories and prayers.

"If you would like to pay your respects to Ken along our route, we are taking him to work for one last time."

Ken was the husband of Cynthia, father of Jane, Debbie and Lisa, father-in-law of Shaun, Alan and Steve, and loving grandad of Shawn, Charlie, Freddie, Oliver and Teddy-Ray.

Crowds gather as Ken Allen's funeral cortege passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin StuttardCrowds gather as Ken Allen's funeral cortege passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
Crowds gather as Ken Allen's funeral cortege passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
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Donations can be made to St John's Hospice or Lancaster Area Search and Rescue, c/o Alex Willis Funeral Home, 2 Middleton Road, Heysham, LA3 2QD.

As we reported last month, tributes flooded in after Lancaster and Morecambe residents heard the news that Ken had passed away.

Dozens of floral tributes adorned the gates of his business after the news broke.

Many people were also quick to pay tribute on social media, remembering him as a man who was always happy to help people out with their car problems.

Crowds gather to applaud Ken Allen's funeral cortege as it passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin StuttardCrowds gather to applaud Ken Allen's funeral cortege as it passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
Crowds gather to applaud Ken Allen's funeral cortege as it passes by his business on White Lund. Photo by Kelvin Stuttard
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Ken Allen Auto Wreckers deals with car parts, scrapping cars and sales, and is well known around the district as people's go-to for any help they need fixing or scrapping their vehicles.

The family-run business was founded in 1968.

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