Derrick Bird victim Darren Rewcastle buried

Jun 17 2010 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

HUNDREDS of cabbies turned out yesterday to say goodbye to taxi driver Darren Rewcastle – who was shot in the face by his colleague Derrick Bird.

The grounds of Distington Crematorium in west Cumbria were packed with cabs bearing the St George’s Cross – a mark of support for England in the World Cup.

Mourners packed the building to celebrate Mr Rewcastle’s life, stolen from him on June 2 when Bird shot him dead at point-blank range.

Bird murdered 11 other innocent people that morning before shooting himself in the quiet hamlet of Boot.

Mr Rewcastle, 43, an avid football fan, was targeted by the father-of-two because of perceived slights against him on the Duke Street cab rank in Whitehaven.

But no-one will ever really know Bird’s motivations for the deranged killing spree – though a tax evasion investigation and reputed jealousy of his brother David’s wealth have been suggested as possible motives for the killing of his twin.

Mr Rewcastle, an avid Middlesbrough fan, was one of several people shot who Bird knew.

Yesterday, the popular driver’s life was remembered in a way he would have been proud - with many mourners wearing football shirts.

In a separate funeral, Jane Robinson, who was also gunned down by Bird during his spree, was remembered by her twin sister.

Barrie Robinson, 66, joined fellow members of the West Cumberland Choral Society for the service at St Cuthbert’s Church in Seascale.

A pigeon made of dyed grey chrysanthemums and birds’ feathers was perched on the animal lover’s coffin.