A GREAT grandfather who dedicated his life to farming travelled to his funeral on a beloved tractor and trailer.

Tributes were made to Thomas William Learmonth, 86, who died after a four year battle with Alzheimer’s.

His funeral service was held at All Saints Church, Great Horkesley and he travelled there in a style he knew well.

Gazette: Mr Learmonth worked at Pattinson Fruit Farm until he retired in 1995 after having been a farm manager in Northumberland and working for two years at Windy Ridge Farm Home in Colchester.

Even in retirement, he refused to give up his overalls completely, much to the amusement of his family.

His daughter Dawn Nauthoa, 54, said: “Dad was a workaholic. The next day after retiring he was up and outside for work again.

“Up to two years ago he was still out helping my brother, Christopher, who now works at the farm. His life was being outside so he couldn’t give it up.

“After the family moved back to Great Horkesley in 1974 and he went to work at Windy Ridge, he injured his arm after falling down some stairs so became a warden instead.

“But he didn’t like working inside, which is why he only stayed for two years. However, in that time he became ambidextrous so he could use his other arm.”Gazette:

Mr Learmonth had four children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with his wife of 63 years, Pat, 84.

He was described as the life and soul of the party until the final months of his life.

Mrs Nauthoa added: “It’s sad to see because you never really get that chance to say goodbye.

“Up until late August my dad was still active but then he started to deteriorate.

“Our neighbours would look out for him when he went out alone and if he seemed confused, they would bring him home.

“Christopher was still taking him on the farm right up until the end. We all pulled together as a family.”

The Learmonths invite people to donate to the Alzheimer’s Society via R Gwinnell and Sons, Ipswich Road, Colchester, or online here.