Cathedral funeral for Cornish comedian Jethro

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Funeral of JethroImage source, PA Media
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A eulogy was read out on behalf of Jethro's family and speakers included his long-time agent John Miles

The funeral of Cornish comedian Jethro has been held at Truro Cathedral.

He died in December at the age of 73 after contracting Covid-19, his family said.

The comic, from St Buryan, in Cornwall, whose real name is Geoffrey Rowe, stopped touring in 2020 after more than 50 years on the road.

His funeral cortege, with a wicker casket in a 4x4, arrived at the cathedral from his club at Lewdown in Devon to applause from many fans.

Image source, Barry Batchelor/PA Wire
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Jethro described making people laugh as "like a drug"

He was then carried into the church by six pallbearers to the song Welcome To My World, by Jim Reeves.

The service was relayed via loudspeakers to hundreds of people outside the cathedral and more than 5,000 people watched the service on YouTube.

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Jethro's casket adorned with flowers leaves the cathedral

Jethro's long-time manager and friend John Miles detailed the comic's rise to stardom, but said: "Fame never changed Jethro."

Mr Miles's anecdotes included Jethro having to clean up his explicit act to perform for the Queen and her friends at Ascot Racecourse.

"There will never ever be another Jethro," added Mr Miles.

"You gave us so much enjoyment Jethro, bless you. Rest in peace."

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A wicker casket arrived at the cathedral in a 4x4 vehicle

Jethro's popularity as a comedian grew during the 1980s and he made his first national appearance on the Des O'Connor show in 1990.

He later said that performance gave him a national profile and it led to other TV appearances and stage shows across the UK.

In 2001, he appeared on the Royal Variety Show and went on to become one of the biggest stars from Cornwall.

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A collection box at Truro Cathedral for Children's Hospice South West after Jethro's family asked for donations to be sent to the charity

Jethro's family have asked for donations to be sent to the Children's Hospice South West.

Sarah Stott, from Little Harbour hospice in St Austell, said: "We were really touched that they would be thinking of us at this difficult time.

"It meant so much and we send our heartfelt thanks to them."

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Mourners arrive at Truro Cathedral

Speaking to the BBC in 2020, Jethro said "making people laugh is like a drug to me".

He explained his decision to retire was partly down to difficulties remembering jokes as "my memory is not too good".

Tributes were paid to him from across the comedy world.

But they also came outside the world of showbusiness, with rail operator GWR tweeting, external a picture of a sign at Camborne train station with his name on it, remembering a line to one of his most famous routines: "This train don't stop Camborne Wednesdays."

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