Cemetery celebration of landlord's life

About 20 people gathered at Fulford Cemetery to remember father-of-two John Witty who would have turned 45 yesterday, one day after his funeral.

Mr Witty, who ran The Turf Tavern, in Thanet Road, Dringhouses, was discovered hanged in the cellar of the premises on July 10. There were no suspicious circumstances.

His heartbroken father, Peter, 73, of Eason View, said: "It's been an extremely hard time for all John's family and friends. He is very much missed.

"He would have been 45, so we thought it would be a fitting tribute to come along with birthday cake and champagne to mark the occasion.

"He was a landlord and liked a good celebration, so I'm sure if he was looking down today he'd have appreciated it."

Mr Witty's funeral took place on Tuesday in front of a packed congregation at Acomb Methodist Church, in Front Street, followed by a burial at Fulford.

Mr Witty senior said his son had been married for about 20 years and was a devoted father to his two children, Perry, 13, and Hebe, ten. He took over at the pub about two years ago and introduced a pool and dominoes team.

Mr Witty, who also worked as a groundwork foreman, had been out drinking with colleagues the night before his death and sang a karaoke duet at a pub with his best friend, Andy Burks.

Mr Burks was one of those at the graveside on John's birthday along with John's father and mother and seven brothers and sisters.

Mr Burks said: "It's hard to put into words how much John will be missed. He was my best friend and he meant the world to me.

"I think he would have liked today and I'm sure he'd have been pleased to know so many people turned out to pay their respects at the funeral."

Among the floral tributes at the graveside were a pint of Guinness and a Bob the Builder. Mr Witty was also widely known for being a pickled-egg eating champion.

An inquest into Mr Witty's death has been opened and adjourned.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, July 21, 2005