Crowds pay respects as Sidmouth Lifeboat founder makes his final shout

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan Phillips, known affectionately as Little Al, died at the beginning of July aged 73.

He was instrumental in setting up the lifeboat service as it is known today.

Members of Sidmouth Lifeboat and Beer Coastguard carried their friend in a 150 strong procession from the lifeboat station to the parish church.

Guy Russell, senior coxswain of Sidmouth Lifeboat, said: “I want to thank everyone for turning up and giving up their time to pay their respects to someone that did so much more than we all saw. You could hear a penny drop. It was everything he deserved.”

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Terry Hoare, station manager of Beer Coastguard, said: “It was amazing, holiday makers and locals stood in silence, not even a seagull could be heard, the only sound was the sea lapping on the shore as he went on his last shout. Rest easy Al. A fitting send off for a great man.”

A retiring collection was held at the service for Sidmouth Lifeboat or can be made care of F J Luxton & Son, Funeral Directors in Ottery.

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Alan 'little Al' Phillips funeral. Ref shs 30 18TI 8758. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)