A bench in memory of Barton man George Ellis has been officially unveiled in Baysgarth Park.
George, 24, died suddenly in April and his friends suggested a bench would be an ideal way to remember the former soldier.
His father Adrian said: “George was a very, very popular person with hundreds of friends. They wanted somewhere to go and reflect and think about George and take comfort from it.
“I didn’t want a bench that said ‘born – died’. It says ‘Geo’, which is punchy.”
Adam Rostron, of ADR Fabrications and a friend of George’s, made the modern-style metal seat and other friends contributed to the cost.
Barton councillor Paul Vickers suggested an ideal place would be in Baysgarth Park near 17 oak trees planted to remember 17 Barton soldiers who lost their lives on 13 October 1915 when the charge was made on the Hohenzollen Redoubt near Loos, France.
The bench was officially dedicated during a short ceremony on Monday led by Father Robert of St Mary’s Church in Barton and attended by George’s family and friends.
Adrian added: “It is in such a quiet area of the park you can sit there in any season and think about George, even talk to him if you want to.”
George had started a new job as a telecoms engineer and was in a happy relationship, but had been dealing with the loss of fellow Yorkshire Regiment veteran Damon Hakin in February.
His family have urged young men in particular to talk about their feelings, and have been working with charities Hull 4 Heroes, Andy’s Man Club and the Bearded Fishermen.
