Fishermen form guard of honour to say final goodbyes to chef and keen angler Lee Jackson after sudden death aged 51

The family of Lee Jackson, 51, from South Shields have paid tribute to him after he suddenly passed away on Saturday, May 2.

Lee, who was head chef at Bistro Romano in Cleadon was also a keen fisherman and he received a special guard of honour at his funeral on Friday, May 29.

His friends lined the streets with their fishing rods in the air while the funeral procession drove by.

His sister, Wendy Lee, 54 of Stanhope Road has told the Gazette how much the gesture meant to their family.

She said: “It made everyone so proud when we saw it, especially our mam.

“He would go fishing at any chance he could get, whether it be at Marsden or even abroad.

“I can’t thank his friends enough for making the day so special.”

Wendy also spoke about the impact that Lee had on the lives of those around him.

She added: “He was so loved by all. Everyone that knew him, loved him”

Due to the coronavirus measures, only Lee’s immediate family were allowed into the funeral ceremony, with the rest of his friends having to wait outside.

However Wendy has said they will all get together to celebrate his life whenever they are allowed too.

She said: “It was only immediate family who were allowed into the service.

“All of his friends stood outside and we plan to celebrate his life later in the year with everyone.”

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