Guest post by Irons1959
A few weeks ago there were a few posts on here about the sad loss of Dennis Lepine who ran Hornchurch Coaches for away games and who had worked for West Ham for many years picking up and driving youth team players, as well running the Hammers travel club in the past.
His funeral was at lunchtime on Tuesday and in current circumstances only 25 people could attend.
Knowing that many of us would want to show our respects somehow Bill Gardner, a regular on these coaches, organised a pre-funeral gathering attended by several hundred Hammers who gathered in Hornchurch Country Park opposite Dennis’ house for two hours before the cortege departed at 12.30.
The house had a huge banner and the drive was covered with floral West Ham related tributes including a claret football and (my favourite) a 3D floral coach which took pride of place on the roof of the hearse. Bubbles was sung as the hearse arrived and the tributes took the best part of 25 minutes to be placed on and in the hearse with Dennis, a man who was devoted to West Ham.
The last time I travelled with Hornchurch Coaches was Sheffield away (with CRB as wing man) and it was fitting that one of these was parked up by Dennis’ house. (Apologies to anyone on the 193 route who was delayed today)
I saw Dennis at the Hammers Utd protest preceding the Southampton game and a week later in my row at Arsenal away. At a time when we can’t gather at games, Tuesday offered a chance to be part of the West Ham that for so many is slipping away …..
