Family, friends, colleagues, current and former players joined together to celebrate and remember the life of the highly respected musician and publisher David Horsfield at his funeral service in Brighouse on Wednesday 2nd November.

Reflective mood

The mourners were in reflective mood as they listened to the specially assembled band, with Philip Wilby playing the church organ, directed by David Hirst, Frank Renton and David's brother-in-law, Dennis Wilby, as they performed music that he had specifically chosen for the occasion.

It included 'The Lost Chord' as well as the signature marches, 'Queensbury' and 'West Riding' of two of the bands he played for in his distinguished career — Black Dyke and Brighouse & Rastrick. The coffin was brought into the church to the appropriate sounds of 'Old Comrades'.

Warmth and affection

Music was very much at the heart of the service, with hymns sung and memories recalled with warmth and affection by lifelong friends, Warren Walton and Gordon Higginbottom. David's fine playing was heard with 'Scarborough Fair' — dedicated to 'My one and only sweetheart Jenny'.

Martin Horsfield paid tribute to his father on behalf of the family, who were humbled by the countless tributes that had been received and recalled from all corners of the brass band world.

Martin Horsfield paid tribute to his father on behalf of the family, who were humbled by the countless tributes that had been received and recalled from all corners of the brass band world4BR

Journey into Freedom

Following a reading from Frank Renton, Canon Wendy Wilby paid further tributes before more musical favourites of the founder of Kirklees Music, the Brighouse March & Hymn Contest and French Open were heard — including Demelza' played by William Rushworth and the closing moments of Eric Ball's 'Journey into Freedom'.

The coffin was carried out to the sound of band and organ playing the 'Finale' from Saint-Saens 'Organ Symphony'.

Donations

Donations in memory of David Horsfield are welcome to be made to the Greenlea Oncology Unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.