More than 700 mourners attended the funeral of a much-loved Teesdale farmer and auctioneer.
Maurice Scott, from Summery Hill, Newbiggin, died in December aged 70 following a long illness.
The Pathway, in Middleton, was packed to capacity for his funeral on December 30 with hundreds more mourners spilling over onto the pavements in the village for the duration of the service, which was followed by burial in St Mary’s Churchyard.
“There were over 700 people there for the funeral,” Maurice’s wife Anne told the Mercury. “They were standing right up the street and over on the other side of the main road.
“It just shows how popular Maurice was, he was definitely a people person and it means such a lot that there were so many attended on the day.
“People came from as far north as Perth, in Scotland, and as far south as Lancashire. So many people knew him from auctioneering and the marts were massive part of his life, it was his first love.
“His dad, Ian, was an auctioneer, and so is our youngest son Luke, who works at Barnard Castle Auction Mart.”
Maurice lived at Summery Hill all his life and, in addition to auctioneering, his passions were farming and his family.
He is survived by Anne, his children Iain, Helen, Martin, James and Luke, and siblings Anne, Jean and Robert, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Over the years he worked for marts at Middleton, Hawes, Penrith, Darlington and Barnard Castle, forging life-long friendships across the length and breadth of the region. He was also a familiar face at country shows and fairs.
Family friend Judith Tarn said: “As well as auctioning livestock, Maurice was in demand selling produce at harvest festivals, attended Langdon Beck sheep show and was a big part of Middleton Spring Show at High Force.
“He auctioned the produce at Bowes Church Harvest Festival every year from 1995 to 2025 and, at the last one, he was assisted by Luke.
“How proud Maurice was of Luke’s life choice, just as he was of all his children,” added Judith. “He supported them 100 per cent and they returned that attention in the love and support they gave back.”
On behalf of the entire family, Anne said: “We wish to thank everyone who helped make the funeral day run smoothly and for the many cards, flowers and kind words we have received.
“Donations are still being accepted for Maurice’s chosen charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and The Salvation Army.
“The current total raised is in excess of £2,300.”
