Funeral of Newark dog handler loved by the community held at St. Giles in Balderton
The funeral of a much-loved dog trainer Gillian Simpson took place at St Giles’ Church in Balderton.
Gillian’s funeral procession received a guard of honour from dogs and handlers of Trent Valley Dog Club, which she had co-founded.
Gillian died in July following a fall in Stapleford Woods. Her family was not informed of her death by police for three days.
Her son, Kevin Simpson, had to piece together for himself that something had happened to her in the meantime, for which Lincolnshire Police later apologised.
Gillian’s beloved dog Pearl, who stayed by her side until she was found in the woods, joined the handlers in the guard of honour.
Pearl’s commitment to her owner was honoured in a special way, as her face was embossed at the foot of Gillian’s coffin.
Ahead of the funeral Kevin said: “It’s all been a bit overwhelming and it will be nice once it’s all over.
“Mum actually made preparations for herself, she only wanted a quick funeral and so she had just booked the crematorium.
“But we are having a service at St Giles’ because I think that it’s well worth putting the extra effort in and it will be a nice send off for her, the one that she deserves.
“It wasn’t until she died that I realised how many people loved her, we planned for about 30 people but we’re expecting more.
“Mum’s sister, Hazel, has come all the way from France, my uncle has cancer but really wanted to be here and her dog club is giving her a guard of honour into the church. She was really loved.”
Gillian’s sister, Hazel Armitage read a moving eulogy, describing Gillian’s life and love of animals: “Gillian was always interested in animals, bringing home baby birds that had fallen from the nest along with dried up frogs and newts, and tadpoles caught in Hawton Stream.
“There were always pets in our lives including a cat and tortoise, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits.”
“As a teenager she supplemented her pocket money by taking other people’s dogs for walks.”
When Gillian and her late husband Denis married, they welcomed rabbits, cats and dogs alongside their children Catherine and Kevin.
She also ran a successful dog grooming business and fell in love with boxer dogs, which she showed and bred, with at least one of them receiving championship awards. She also bred Pomeranians and even won Best Pup at Crufts.
Gillian co-founded the Trent Valley Dog Training club along with Gillian Riley and became one of the trainers for obedience. Later becoming head trainer and member of the agility team, travelling to give displays.
“Gillian judged boxers and was very knowledgeable about the breed. When she stopped showing you would still see her at the side of the ring giving youngsters a helping hand with her vast knowledge.” said Hazel.
“She went on to do so much for the club, becoming an examiner for the Kennel Club’s good citizen scheme, taking tests at the club and also carrying out tests at the popular All about Dogs held at Newark Showground.
"The other side of Gillian was the fun side, dressing up as Father Christmas at the Christmas parties and organising games. A great part of the club has been lost.
“But most of all, to her family; she was a sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother; and as her family, this is what we’ll miss the most.”
