Armidale, the Cathedral City, came to a standstill on Friday morning for the funeral of 90-year-old Lloyd St Clair Piddington. Civic and local dignitaries, together with residents from all walks of life, paid respects and offered sympathies. St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral was packed to capacity, with outside seating still not enough to meet demand.
During the eulogising and celebrating of Lloyd Piddington’s life, it was made clear that the Piddington family had moulded the history of Armidale. The community and service organisations which Lloyd was involved with were many and they were well represented at the service, which began with music from the Armidale City Band (of which Lloyd was Patron).
He was described as a loving family man who, as an old-world gentleman, approached almost any task impeccably attired.
In his tribute, on behalf of Armidale Dumaresq Council and the residents of the local government area, Mayor Jim Maher thanked Lloyd Piddington for the quality service, over many years, that he gave his community.
Lloyd used his casting vote as the then Mayor of Armidale City Council to approve the development of the city’s water supply, Malpas Dam.
Through a guard of honour, eight pallbearers carried the flag-draped casket, shoulder high, from the cathedral to the waiting hearse. A diggers’ slouch hat and his Masonic regalia also adorned the casket.
The funeral cortège to Pid-dington’s Crematorium was over two kilometres long.
