Scores of strangers gather for funeral of Royal Marine who died alone

A Royal Marine who died alone with no close family has been given a touching send-off by serving personnel, veterans and members of the public.

David Butler, aged 71, died of heart failure in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd on April 1, NorthWalesLive reports.

As there was no close family to make Mr Butler's final arrangements, the Royal Marines Association's North Wales branch agreed to honour the former serviceman with a fitting funeral.

(Daily Post Wales)

After launching an appeal on social media that was shared by thousands, Graham Jones , an ex-Marine from Wrexham, said up to 200 people had attended the funeral.

At Northop Crematorium today, serving personnel, veterans, and members of the public were among those who attended the service, which was funded by the Royal Marines Association.

David Butler died with no close family (Daily Post Wales)

Draped in a Royal Marines flag, Mr Butler's coffin was carried into the crematorium to the Royal Marines' signature tune, before the Last Post was blown at the end of the service.

Mr Jones said he was "blown away" by the response to his appeal.

Graham Jones (Daily Post Wales)

He said: "We estimated around 150 to 200 people in the end. It was amazing.

"We had RAF veterans, Royal Marines and Royal Navy attend, as well as other members of the public who came to pay their respects.

"It was fantastic. I certainly think we did him proud.

"I'm totally blown away by the response and not just by those who attended, but by those who have sent messages of condolences.

"We've had people getting in touch all the way from Portsmouth right up to Scotland.

The funeral was held at Northop Crematorium (Daily Post Wales)

"We've had a fantastic response from the whole community."

After speaking to a close friend of Mr Butler ahead of the service, Mr Jones said he was "loved by everyone in the community" and "those who knew him enjoyed his company".

Following the funeral, a friend of Mr Butler had organised for a wake to be held at the Red Lion pub in Holywell to celebrate Mr Butler's life and for those who attended to meet some of his old friends.

Mr Butler, a former driver's mate, grew up in Greenfield near Holywell and served in the Royal Marines for 15 years after joining in 1965.

After leaving in 1980, he became a painter and decorator in Flintshire.