The funeral of Jason Allen who tragically died with his good friend Andrew (Rabbit) Ralph, on August 25th, took place at the Forest of Dean Crematorium on September 28th.

Jason’s coffin was carried on his own beloved 1966 American  Kenworth truck from his home, Victoria Cottage at Lea Bailey.

The Kenworth was driven by his older brother, Mark, to the Forest of Dean Crematorium via Mitcheldean, Plump Hill and Cinderford.

Many vintage vehicles joined in en route and by the time they reached Cinderford Trading Estate a very large collection of vintage vehicles was waiting to join more than 300 friends and relatives at the entrance to the crematorium. The vehicles had come from as far away as the Midlands, Telford, and South Wales showing the huge amount of respect for his friends had for Jason.

Jason’s father told the Ross Gazette that his son loved his Kenworth American truck which to travelled to Los Angeles with his dad to collect. He bought it in 2003 after driving it on a trial. Jason and Doug spent the next few days preparing it for shipping from Longbeach to Portishead where, after six weeks, they collected it and drove it home.

Doug told the Ross Gazette that Jason was a highly experienced and professional driver with a 30 year unblemished record.

Jason lived at Lea Bailey all his life and loved the place. He attended Lea C of E School then John Kyrle High School in Ross.

The family love and miss him deeply and very much appreciate all the cards, flowers and love given by so many people, as well as the large number of people who attended Jason’s funeral and the superb spread provide by the Flanesford Priory.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here