MORE than 100 people paid a final tribute to a popular Canvey boy.

The funeral service for Denny Richardson was held at St Mary’s Church in Benfleet today.

Echo:

Missed - Denny Richardson

Echo:

Procession - Denny's name adorned many of the funeral cars

The 17-year-old died after a motorbike crash in Leigh Road, Canvey, on May 2.

The funeral saw dozens of his friends and family wear purple ribbons in his memory, with several sporting custom-made T-shirts with a picture of him and the hashtag “DennysWorld”.

Many tributes were read out for the teenager during the funeral, including from his mother, Sam Ramplin, sister Summer Ramplin, father Paul Richardson and cousin Maci Thompson.

He was described as an “old soul” with a fondness for animals and that he “loved anything with an engine”.

In her statement, read out by Reverend Leslie Drake, mum Sam said: “You were caring, loving, unselfish, you always made sure I was ok. You touched so many people’s hearts in the short time you were here, which shows the beautiful human you were. So strong, so brave, life is never going to be the same.

“I love you and miss you every day.”

In her statement, sister Summer wrote: “All the times we would rap, sing songs and dance around the house together, I will keep these memories locked in my heart forever. Although I can’t see you anymore, I can feel your love surrounding me and protecting me like brothers do.

“It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, a part of me went with you.”

Dad Paul Richardson said: “I would not get to spend every day with Denny, but the thought of seeing and spending time with him at the end of a week would get me through the days.

“He was loved everywhere he went. From a young age all he was interested in was motorbikes, and as time went on he became better and better on them.

“He had so much talent, and was a very skilled driver, being able to turn his hand to any vehicle, be it car, jet ski or motorbike.

“I know you’re not here in body form, but I know you are still here looking over us all, our guardian angel. You were too good for this world. Your legend will live on forever.”

Following the service, Denny’s coffin was carried by friends and family.

On its journey, loved ones lined the path and applauded Denny as he passed.

As he was loaded into the hearse, a procession of cars decorated with flowers and purple ribbons formed, driven by friends and family, which drove a lap of Canvey before he was laid to rest in Willows Cemetery, in Northwick Road.

The funeral party then proceeded to Orsett Hall, in Grays, for a celebration of his life with live music from J Brown, one of Denny’s much loved artists.

Denny was riding a motorcycle with another 17-year-old when it was involved in a crash with car.

Since his death, hundreds of tributes have poured in, with numerous flowers and messages being left at the bee statue in Canvey Central Park.

An inquest into his death has been delayed while Essex Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The other teenager suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Popular songs provide fitting soundtrack

A PACKED church full of friends and family gathered for the funeral of 17-year-old Denny Richardson.

His funeral began at St Mary’s Church, in Benfleet at 1.30pm yesterday.

As family and friends came in, the song “Knockin” was played out, by artist J Brown and Slimz, a favourite track of 17-year-old Denny.

The Rev Leslie Drake opened with some prayers, before reading out tributes from Denny’s mother Sam and sister Summer Ramplin, along with others from friends.

A tribute from his father Paul Richardson was read out, before his cousin, Maci Thompson, stepped up to read her own.

By the time all statements had been made, there were very few dry eyes in the church, which had every seat taken and many people standing around the edges.

The song “See You Again”, by Wiz Khalifa, was played for reflection, and following commendation prayers, the song “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia was played as mourners left.

Following a huge procession of vehicles from Benfleet and around Canvey, Denny was laid to rest in Willows Cemetery. Whilst the exact number of guests is not known, more than 100 people filled the church.

The Echo attended Denny's funeral with the permission of his family, for which we thank them.