THE family of a treasured husband and father who disappeared have now closed the “final chapter” after launching his ashes over the pond in which his body was found.
Christopher Scales, 40, went missing from his family home in Colchester on February 1 last year, leaving behind his wedding ring and mobile.
For months his wife, Emma Robinson, 49, son Harry, 21, and daughter Lily, 16, appealed for information about his whereabouts.
His body was discovered at Distillery Pond in July.
On Wednesday, to mark the anniversary of Christopher’s disappearance, his family and friends returned to the scene, just off Old Heath Road, where he died.
They initially planned to simply scatter his ashes at the pond but then decided to enlist the help of a fireworks company and make the occasion more of a spectacle.
Emma said: “We had his ashes put into fireworks and set them off over Distillery Pond – the display was brilliant.
“We had decided as a family to scatter his ashes at the pond as we go there to feel close to him so it seemed appropriate.
READ MORE: Funeral of Colchester's Christopher Scales 'a beautiful day'
“Then I found out you can put the ashes inside fireworks, so we thought ‘Why not, let’s light up the pond’.
“I got in touch with an amazing firework company called Fury Fireworks who were fantastic and so respectful - I can’t thank them enough.
“Christopher would have loved it.”
Christopher, who was an avid Arsenal fan, had been cremated back in August following a poignant ceremony held at Colchester Crematorium.
The funeral, which was attended by 150 people, was funded using money which had been generously donated to the family by the community following his death.
Following the fireworks display, Emma now hopes she and her children can move on with their lives, with Christopher always a constant in their hearts.
Emma said: “Many friends were listening out for the fireworks but we also recorded the display and put it on social media and it got hundreds of likes and views.
“It really was a lovely way to scatter the ashes of a loved one.
"We felt emotional but in a nice way. It was the final chapter, thankfully. Onwards and upwards.”
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