The funeral of world-renowned genius Stephen Hawking last Saturday at the Great St. Mary’s Church was flocked by thousands of mourners.
World-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking who died on March 14 at the age of 76 had his funeral last Saturday.
Thousands of mourners paid their respect to Hawking at the streets of Cambridge, England.
The ceremony was held at the Great St. Mary’s Church, a few steps away from Gonville and Caius College in the University of Cambridge where he spent 52 years of his life as lecturer and research fellow.
Despite the fact that Hawking is a vocal atheist, his family pointed out that they want a traditional church funeral for him so that those people whose lives had been touched by him could pay their respects.
Family members and friends of the deceased gathered together to attend the service, based on the article published in People.
Here is the statement from the children of Stephen Hawking.
“On behalf of our whole family we want to express our huge gratitude to all the wonderful tributes to our father and to those who have sent us messages of condolence.
“Our father lived and worked in Cambridge for over 50 years. He was an integral and highly recognizable part of the university and the city. For this reason, we have decided to hold his funeral in the city that he loved so much and which loved him.”
“Our father’s life and work meant many things to many people, both religious and non-religious. So, the service will be both inclusive and traditional, reflecting the breadth and diversity of his life. We would like to thank Gonville and Caius College, the University of Cambridge and Trinity College, Cambridge for their assistance with our father’s funeral service.”
Sadness is evident on the faces of Hawking’s wife Jane and son Timothy as they approach the church.
The presence of ‘The Theory of Everything’ actor Eddie Redmayne was also evident during the funeral. He played the character of the physicist in the said movie which brought him a Best Actor award from the Academy in 2014.
“We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet. My love and thoughts are with his extraordinary family,” Redmayne said in a statement.
From his home in Cambridge, Hawking’s body was transported to the university church and two bouquets of flowers were placed upon his coffin.
One bouquet was of white lilies to symbolize the universe while the other one was of white roses to represent the polar star, based on the article.
During the funeral, the church’s bell rang 76 times as a representation of Stephen Hawking’s entire years of existence.