IN life he was known for his connection to Mumbles Pier — in death it was no different.
The ashes of Stanley Bollom have been scattered at the end of the pier, from the Mumbles all-weather lifeboat.
It followed a service of thanksgiving for the former pier owner at the village's All Saints Church.
Family and friends braved the icy conditions to say their farewells, although the poor weather prevented some travelling from further afield.
"Lovely tributes were paid to Stanley at the church by his son (John) and grandchildren," said friend and former Mumbles lifeboat operations manager, Captain Roy Griffiths. "And his two great-grandchildren sang."
The congregation then moved outside as the ashes of the 92-year-old, who was cremated on Monday at Morriston Crematorium, were taken on board the Tyne Class Babs and Agnes Robertson, along with family members and the vicar of Oystermouth, the Reverend Canon Keith Evans.
A bugler then played the Last Post and Reveille from the slipway.
"It was quite emotional," said Mr Griffiths, MBE. "It was a clear day, and there were a few people on the pier."
Mark Kneen, who happened to be walking along the promenade at the time, said: "It was quite a moving ceremony, with the sun making a brief appearance on a very cold afternoon."
East End-born Mr Bollom, who died on December 13, acquired a lease in 1936 for the pier, along with the Pier Hotel and the penny slot attractions.
Not long after the outbreak of the Second World War, Mr Bollom was among the first 100 British Expeditionary Force troops captured in Belgium by invading German forces.
He spent six years in prisoner-of-war camps. At one of these he met his first wife, Wanda, a Polish labour worker. She died in 1991.
Mr Bollom had a long career in the leisure industry, was involved in several charities, and was a driving force in the Variety Club of Great Britain for years.
He was created life president of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, which represents attractions such as Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds.
He is survived by his wife Margot, son John, two daughters, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Following his death, Mr Griffiths said: "He always fair and a straight man to deal with. He was good for the lifeboat service in Mumbles."
Post reader Jeff Shute, of Swansea, added: "It was a pleasure to have known him."
richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk
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