This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mollet

MARK ‘Bonzo’ Le Prevost was given a unique send-off yesterday. As part of the popular 46-year-old’s funeral, his family arranged for him to be taken to and from church in a unique fish-designed coffin on top of his youngest brother Rolly’s dorey boat.

This, in turn, was towed by his friend Reg Gallie on a quad bike.

Bonzo, a builder and former full-time fisherman, insisted on travelling in style at sea and on the roads during his lifetime.

After he died of brain cancer earlier this month his family decided on a fitting tribute.

‘We think this is a first for Guernsey,’ said Gary Vaudin, funeral director for Argent Funeral Services Ltd.

Bonzo had a passion for fishing and motorbikes and his Honda Blackbird 1100cc bike was his pride and joy. He enjoyed taking his bike to Europe with partner Marlene on the back.

He was part of a large family of six brothers and a sister and the proud father of Abby.

His other hobbies included shooting, autocross, golf and pool.

‘He lived life to the full - 100%.

‘He was so friendly and open and was an absolute diamond to anybody. He was the best bloke you would wish to be friends with,’ said brother Rolly.

‘He would push the barriers and he had no fear about anything at all.’

Hundreds of his family and friends gathered at the Town Church late yesterday morning for a celebration of Bonzo’s life.

Pallbearers were brothers Colin, Ian, Steven, Kevin and Rolly, nephews Martin and Thomas Le Prevost and close family friends Alan Drillot, Reg Gallie, Jason Gilroy and Marlene’s son Wayne Beard.

‘We could not get a trike so the next best thing was a quad and we wanted something different for the coffin - it’s precisely what the family wanted,’ said brother Ian.

He recalled how, Bonzo could drive aged 13, strip an engine, repair it and put it back together.

‘He will always be our daring, stubborn, mischievous, rebel of a brother,’ he said.

Bonzo worked for building company Neil Price as a plasterer and blocklayer after spending many years as a full-time fisherman.

* The service was conducted by the Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Canon Paul Mellor.

The opening song was JCB’s Nizlopi and Gerry and the Pacemakers’ anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out to close the service.

During the service of tributes, hymns and prayer those present listened to Aerosmith’s I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.

*Afterwards, family attended a private committal at Le Foulon Vale Crematorium.

Article posted on 12th May, 2007 - 12.00am