Heading down Wellington street to circle Victoria Park, the funeral procession for Bill Paul featured performances by the Western Mustang marching band, as well as a crowd of friends and inspired Londoners.
On Friday, Oct. 15, the funeral procession for London’s town crier, Bill Paul, walked through the streets of London to celebrate Paul’s life and legacy. The event was marked with live music, performed by the Western Mustang Band, as well as balloon animals handed out by members of the Laffguards, the local entertainment company of clowns that Paul had founded. Dozens came out to voice their support, wearing colourful hats and masks. Every person attending had their own heartwarming stories about just how much Bill Paul had touched their lives.
“Bill Paul was one of my first bosses, and one of my first agents that got me where I am today,” said one of the Laffguards, a clown going by the name of Huggy. “Bill Paul even remembered to call me every year on my birthday, even when my own father wasn’t, so he was truly the king of comedy and the king of heart. There was no other like Bill Paul.”
A balloon animal twisted together by Huggy the clown, a member of the entertainment company Laffguards that was founded by Paul. Several members of the Laffguards walked in the procession, blowing up and twisting balloon animals to hand out to folks walking and watching the procession.
The outpouring of support for Paul’s legacy in London also included those inspired and motivated by the work that the town crier did in London. One such figure was a luchador-masked musician who goes by the name Eltoro Venus. “He came to a couple shows of mine, and I talked to him after. He really liked what I did, and he encouraged me to keep pursuing what I do.” Eltoro Venus had only known Paul for six years, but had promised that he would show his support for the town crier by performing.
Many others came out to watch, despite the on and off rain, sharing stories of Paul’s famous tradition of calling people every year to sing them ‘Happy Birthday,’ as well as reminisce about his generosity and good will.
Eltoro Venus strikes a pose just outside Victoria Park while anticipating the arrival of Bill Paul’s funeral procession. The luchador-masked performer says that Bill Paul helped inspire him to continue following his passion.
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