Tearful farewell to Villa stalwart Buck Chinn

It was an emotional farewell as hundreds of friends and family turned out to say goodbye to the Villa fans' champion Buck Chinn.

His son, the historian and Express & Star columnist Carl Chinn, led the tributes, calling him a great father, a proud Brummie and an ardent Villa supporter.

Mourners packed out St Mary's Church in Moseley, Birmingham, yesterday afternoon. Many were dressed in the claret and blue of Aston Villa, wearing scarves and club ties in tribute to the lifelong fan, while the coffin was draped in the red and white flag of England.

Buck, full name Alfred William Chinn, died at home in Moseley, on April 26, after a seven month battle against cancer. He was 78-years-old. Speaking to the congregation, Carl said his father was "boundless of spirit". The two things that meant a lot to him was where he came from and where he belonged," he said.

"He was from Sparkbrook, a back street Brummie. He loved this city and he was a proud Englishman, but he was an Englishman who loved all. Whoever came to this city and wanted to become a Brummie, he welcomed all of them."

Jazz musician Andy Hamilton played his tribute to Buck, belting out a rendition of Danny Boy on his saxophone, and his granddaughters Tara and Catriona fought back tears as they sang Little Things Mean A Lot, one of their granddad's favourite songs.

Hundreds of mourners then made their way to the wake which took place at The Stadium Club, Wheelers Lane, Kings Heath.

Buck was diagnosed with stomach cancer last October and underwent chemotherapy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but doctors discovered that he had developed a secondary brain cancer. He won the hearts of Villa supporters when he set up the Aston Villa Democracy Group, following the resignation of manager Ron Saunders in 1982. When Saunders left the club there was uproar among fans because he had led the team to the First Division title.

Buck called a meeting of protestors and he became chairman of the Aston Villa Democracy Group, which arose from that meeting.

The aim was to get a fan elected to the board and for fans to have more say in the running of the club. He later became chairman of the Aston Villa Shareholders Association and he led it for more than 20 years.

Buck, who was married for 55 years, leaves behind his wife Sylvia, aged 74, another son Darryl, 52, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.