DOZENS of taxis joined a procession as the cabbie community remembered one of their own.

“Loving and caring” Wayne Marsh was yesterday remembered after he passed away on October 20 following a five-week battle with terminal cancer.

Friends, family and colleagues attended the 60-year-old’s funeral at St Boniface Catholic Church after more than 30 taxis followed Mr Marsh’s hearse along Shirley Road.

Mr Marsh, who lived in Southampton all his life, had been a taxi driver for around 20 years and was described by friends as “one of a kind” and known by many of the regular cabbies and cab users right across the city.

The cortège of taxis was organised by friend and fellow cabbie Eric Glover.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was a special way to send him off and his family really appreciated it.

“I think he would have been pleased with how many taxis joined the procession.

“He was a brilliant taxi driver and a brilliant man.

“He was always a laugh.

“I will miss him.”

Shaun Connolly, who knew and worked with Mr Marsh for around 20 years, said they were so close it was like they were married.

He said: “It was a very sad occasion.

“There were a lot of red eyes during the service.

“He was a very likeable man – his attitude was just so kind and loving.

“He was known by so many people throughout the city.

“What a caring man.”

Mr Connolly added: “On behalf of the family I want to say thank you to everyone who turned up and showed their love.

“He was a good man.”

The procession started from Mr Marsh’s home on Salcombe Road, Freemantle, before going to the church.

The group then went to Hollybrook Cemetery where his body was laid to rest.

A wake was held at The View Bar following the ceremony.

Mr Marsh is survived by his wife Trish and three children.