Mourners flocked to a crematorium to pay tribute to a “legend of his time” and “gentle giant”.
Carl Connors, 60, was found dead on Westcliff beach in the early hours of December 18.
Friends and family gathered at Southchurch Crematorium, on Sutton Road, to pay their respects to the well-known Leigh man. The Echo was invited to take pictures by his family.
Carl, known as Carlos, was very well known as a cyclist in the area. Prior to the service, the funeral procession took Carl’s usual route through Leigh Broadway, Leigh Road, and the seafront.
There was no dress code for the service, with guests encouraged to attend in Carl’s favourite style, dressed in desert boots, shorts, and on your bike.
Following the ceremony, family and friends continued to pay tribute to Carl in one of his favourite places, Bellini Bar and Brasserie in London Road, Southend, to continue sharing memories.
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