Express & Star

Lorry procession sends off transport boss Mick Aldridge after death aged 69

A well-known Wolverhampton transport boss was given a fitting send-off by a lorry convoy after his death aged 69.

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Michael 'Mick' Aldridge, inset, and his funeral procession

A procession involving two custom-painted trucks led Michael 'Mick' Aldridge to Stafford Crematorium, where around 70 people attended.

Mick, who died of cancer aged 69, was described as a "hard-working and loving" man who would "do anything" for his family and friends.

The procession had a special touch with two hand-painted trucks, owned by Mick, taking part.

One of the custom lorries involved in the procession

One was inspired by the Great Train Robbery - the daring raid which took place in 1963 - and the other was based on the The Highwayman novel.

Mick, who was born and raised in Wolverhampton before moving to Penkridge, leaves behind his children, grandchildren and wife Dianne, 70.

Mick began his Wolverhampton-based business Mick Aldridge Transport Ltd in 1992 and ran it for 27 years, growing it into a successful family company that operates five trucks.

It will now be taken over by his 42-year-old daughter Joanne Moore, from Cannock, and Lee Aldridge, 40, from Willenhall.

Inundated

Joanne said: "I am shocked by how many people have contacted us to pay their respects and our family have been inundated with messages.

"My father was honest, he worked hard, he loved his company and his family and he would do anything for anybody.

"He was a general hauler. When dad first got cancer six years ago - he was a fan of The Great Train Robbery - he said 'life is too short' and I will get the lorry painted up.

The funeral procession arrives at Stafford Crematorium

"He bought a new lorry and a gentleman called Adam did all the artwork by hand."

The funeral procession took Mick from his home in Penkridge to Stafford Crematorium. One of the lorries drove at the front, leading the hearse carrying Michael, and the other brought up the rear.

Flowers in the shape of the Scania V8 engine logo

A wreath was laid at the crematorium in his memory with a note, which read: "Card out Mick. Your shift is over.

"RIP. You will be sadly missed. Craig, Mal, Andy, Kev, Dean & Nick."

A message left for Mick telling him that his shift is now over

Once at the crematorium, there was a private service which was held for family and friends.

Joanne continued: "The funeral went perfect, it couldn't have been better.

"Just before the lorries turned into the crematorium, they blew their horns. Then you could have heard a pin drop.

"So many people came up to us and said the funeral was perfect. It was Mick all over. Some said they have never been to a funeral like it before."

Mick, also a haulage driver, began with Mainline Haulage, Wolverhampton, in 1976.

His family extended a thanks to Maguire Funeral Directors from Hednesford.

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