HEADS bowed in memory of a popular scaffolder on Tuesday as mourners gathered to say a final goodbye to much-loved father of three Antony Allen.

Antony – or Ant, as he was known to friends and family – was described by daughter Emily Hacker-Allen as a “kind, special and loving person” and his funeral, held at Wroughton Parish Church, was attended by well over 100 people.

Emily said: “All he ever wanted was to work and please others. Life at home was simple; he loved to relax in the evening with a glass of red or enjoying the garden during the summer months.

“He fought so courageously ‘til the very end. He was a stubborn and persistent man – we expected nothing less.”

The service was conducted by Canon Michael Johnson, whose beautiful metaphor of Ant building the scaffolding to Heaven was met in equal measure with tears and smiles.

He said: “Ant spent his life building places of safety for those who were to come afterwards and do the job. We all know Heaven isn’t really ‘up there’, but it’s easy to think that it is. Now Ant is on the heavenly scaffolding with God.

“He loved his work and his family, and we remember the time he was finally able to be persuaded to get on an aeroplane, even against his better judgement.

“We pray that for all the things we enjoy on Earth there is a heavenly equivalent, and that Ant is able to enjoy them now.”

Mourners sang hymns and listened to readings and after a solemn rendition of Jerusalem, Ant’s coffin was led out of the church to California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & The Papas.

Ant, who was born on October 23 1960, left home at 17 to join the army and became a member of the Royal Artillery. He acquired licenses to drive various tanks and trucks, which was eventually to lead him into the scaffolding industry.

Emily said: “He was regimented, particular and precise towards every aspect in life, from organising a family meal out to designing structures for renowned buildings.”

After many years of working with his brother Paul, the pair established their own sub-contracting company APA Scaffolding.

For a brief few years Ant joined Child scaffolding, taking a break from the company’s progression to Allen & Foxworthy. He later returned to work with Paul and invited his son Scott to join him.

Ant completed all the available training to earn his advanced scaffolding ticket, despite already being highly respected in the industry.

He would often come home with drawings and plans of the jobs he’d be working on in the following months, often being away for several weeks. Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, the Tower of London and the Monument were a few of his proudest jobs.

Described as “a true family man at heart”, he died on November 14 and left behind his children Carra, Scott and Emily, his grandson Lewis and wife Nicola.