By Ninder Kaur
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Bradford last week to pay their respects for the funeral
of 88-year-old Geoffrey Brindley, who was better known as ‘Bradford Jesus Man.’
Mr Brindley was well-known for wearing a brown robe and sandals (similar to Jesus himself) and walking the streets of Bradford, and beyond, and smiling and waving at people he encountered along the way.
Geoffrey died on August 24 at Bradford Royal Infirmary, 11 days after being taken ill at his home in Baildon.
His funeral took place at Bradford Cathedral where Geoffrey was taken in to the service in a wool coffin.
Among the mourners at the funeral was Mr Brindley’s cousin, Colin Watson. He spoke about Mr Brindley’s grandparents. He was joined by Michael Kerrigan, a former Bradford resident, who read out a poem.
Reverend Sandra Benham, who led the service and was Mr Brindley’s parish priest in Baildon, said: “It was felt that it was right that the funeral was held at the Cathedral as a mark of respect because he was so much a part of Bradford life.”
She added: “He believed his calling was to walk the streets of Bradford and show care and compassion for the people, and have time for the people.”
Mr Brindley was well known to residents in Bradford and beyond.
Kathy Richards, 42, of Allerton said: “Ever since I was young, I would see him walking around and waving at people. He would have his same robe and sandals on and that’s how he became known as Bradford Jesus man.”
Samir Aktar, 52, of Heaton added: “He was such a great guy. I didn’t know him personally but he was always happy and always smiling. Such a tragic loss to the City of Bradford.”
Mr Brindley’s funeral procession travelled along some of his best-known walking routes. His funeral procession headed to Bradford from Shipley along Manningham Lane, passing Valley Parade and onto Hamm
Strasse. It then went onto Barkerend Road to Thornbury roundabout, then along Leeds Road and Church Bank.
Donations made at the funeral were given to the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodd’s charity appeal.
