"Bruce was a guy who simply did what needed doing," said one of Bruce Martin's mates at the funeral service celebrating his life at the Levin Domain held last Saturday.
Members of his family and hundreds of mates representing various sporting codes turned out to fill the grandstand in honour of 'Brucey', a sportsman and sports supporter, who had been part of Levin's sporting community for more than 50 years.
He had made his presence felt, first as a player, then as a fan.
"Just don't give people a hard time and stay off the food, mate," advised one friend.
Several mentioned Bruce's habits of making early morning phone calls, and the beers bought after the game for the players.
Bruce was a familiar sight around town on his bike.
In honour of his life, his nephew Scott Walker rode that bike around the bike track at the Domain, several times.
He also led the hearse around the Domain and from the grounds through an honour guard at the gates.
Bruce's coffin was decked out with sporting memorabilia from his favourite clubs - Weraroa Cricket, Athletic Club and Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union. Before the funeral service he had been driven around town to all his favourite places.
At the Domain a rousing haka from the stands, and later as the hearse left the grounds, would have warmed his heart.
The Rugby Union donated a Meads Cup runners-up medal to Bruce, who had been too ill with cancer to attend the final.
The team had made a habit of visiting Bruce every Tuesday night after training during the last few weeks of his life.