Ian Hazel Funerals supports family of Sir Doug Ellis in laying the Aston Villa legend to rest

Ian Hazel Funerals was privileged to support the Ellis family in arranging and conducting the funeral of Sir Doug Ellis, Life President of Aston Villa football club, following his death at the age of 94.

The cortege, displaying the Aston Villa insignia, was paged past Villa Park by Ian Hazel, owner of Ian Hazel Funerals, before the service at Aston Parish Church. Thousands of fans lined the streets outside the stadium to pay their final respects, almost all of them wearing the Villa colours of claret and blue.

Six bearers conveyed Mr Ellis’ oak coffin, which was covered in white roses and lilies, into the church for the private funeral service, attended by his wife, Heidi and his two surviving sons, Oliver and Simon. The service included an emotional rendition of the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah by his granddaughter Elenya.

Former Villa players, club management, his family and friends heard stories from across his amazing life and career in football, during the eulogies which were given by former Villa director Tony Hales,  broadcaster Nick Owen and David Dein, former vice-chairman of both Arsenal and the Football Association, as well as by his family. They charted the story of his life in business, leading up to his appointment as Villa chairman in 1968, his triumphant return as major shareholder and chairman in 1982 and the eventual sale of the club in 2014, upon which he was given the title President Emeritus (Life President). His long term support for Childline, South and City College in Birmingham – and numerous other organisations across the region was also revealed during the service.

Following the service there was a private committal attended only by his close family and friends.