RHYL came to a standstill as hundreds paid their last respects to brave Royal Marine Michael Taylor.
Three weeks after the 30-year old was killed in Afghanistan, the public and military organisations joined his family and friends for the full military funeral last Friday.
Such was the respect for L/Cpl Taylor that St Thomas’ Church was packed as well as the grounds, while people lined the streets applauding as the horse drawn carriage carrying his coffin passed.
Military personnel including L/Cpl Taylor’s Royal Marine colleagues, members of the cadets and veterans all gathered to pay their own tributes to the lifelong Rhyl resident, who had been a member of the Marines for the past five years.
In the July sunshine, one of the main loves of L/Cpl Taylor’s life was celebrated as many of his family and friends - including Liverpool followers such as his father John - wore special Everton replica tribute shirts that had been donated by the Premier League club.
Speaking after the funeral, proud mother Jackie, 50, described the public response as “fantastic”.
She said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended the funeral for showing how much Michael meant to them.
“It was very touching to see how many people wanted to be there, with both the inside and outside of the church full.”
A floral tribute on L/Cpl Taylor’s coffin spelt out the word HERO, reflecting how many at the service viewed a man who was devoted to both his family and serving his country.
The former Rhyl High School pupil leaves long-term partner Sonia, also 30, and three sons Ethan, 13, Wesley, 11, and baby Charlton - this year’s Journal Baby of the Year.
His eldest two sons were prominently involved at the funeral, with Wesley movingly reading out a poem he had written when he was younger.
Hymns sung included I Watch the Sunrise and Walk With Me, which Wesley’s school Ysgol Mair had performed at a special memorial service for L/Cpl Taylor.
Rev Tudor Botwood, Baptist Chaplain for the Royal Marines, led the service and described L/Cpl Taylor as “an exceptional family man”, whose main ambition in life was to help his family as much as possible.
Canon John Glover, vicar of Rhyl, described the Taylors as “an amazing family”, who had shown great courage in recent weeks.
The service was followed by a public burial at Dyserth Cemetery, where a three gun salute was given by the Royal Marines, and a wake at Kinmel Manor, Abergele.