Larry ‘Elvis’ Kewley laid to rest in Llanrwst

Sep 11 2008 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

LLANRWST came to a complete standstill on Tuesday as people lined the streets to say a fond farewell to a champion fundraiser and self-confessed Elvis impersonator.

Larry Kewley, pictured, finally left the building and a legacy of fundraising feats behind on Tuesday afternoon in a lively funeral fit for royalty.

A procession of fellow entertainers, family and friends, led by Old Orleans-style brass band The Red Rose, followed a majestic horse-drawn glass hearse laden with floral tributes.

The band played Elvis Presley’s The Old Rugged Cross as town crier David Price led the mourners.

Bus driver Larry died suddenly on August 27 aged just 59 while attending a family christening in Galway, Ireland.

He had recently been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

A number of family members and friends, including Kevin Mac, gave moving tributes to Larry, known to relatives as Toby, at the funeral service at the Catholic Church, Eglwys-y-Bugail Da, Llanddoged Road.

Larry’s partner of three years Rosalynd Mitchell, 47, said the funeral did Larry proud: “The funeral was such a fitting tribute to Larry, he would have been so proud. Only Larry could stop traffic!

“It was a very sad and moving day but it was also a celebration of Larry’s life and the procession and service reflected his lively and colourful character.”

Hundreds of people who knew Larry came to pay their respects at the church service and lined the streets to watch the lively funeral possession.

Rosalynd added: “He only came into my life three precious years ago but we had a wonderful time together and he leaves behind a fundraising legacy from his days as Elvis raising thousands of pounds for local charities.”

Larry used to perform an array of famous Elvis hits with his backing entourage of dancers, compere Kevin Mac and comedian Andy Hayward, helping raise money for charities including St David’s Hospice, Hope House, Clic Sargent and the tsunami appeal.

samantha.castle