Eltham fire chief Norman Commerer's funeral on Wednesday was a fitting testimony to the many lives he had touched in his 75 years.
Around 800 people attended, and 160 firefighters formed a guard of honour to pay homage to one of the region's big hearts.
``He was not one for the limelight, but he would have loved it. Never has the town seen a bigger gathering,'' says life-long friend and fellow firefighter Max Mackay, who gave his eulogy.
Norm died at his home on Saturday.
Max says it was very hard for the crew to answer the call for help at 61 Stanners Street on Saturday evening to find that there was nothing they could do for their chief.
``Norm was a popular leader and had the respect of brigade members and his peers. Norm was a friend and mentor to many. His contribution to the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade was exceptional, immeasurable and outstanding. He was a good man. He was a good mate,'' says Max.
Last year, when honoured for his service by the United Fire Brigade with a 50-year medal, Norm said ``You get out of life, what you put in''.
He was only the 85th recipient of the medal since the United Fire Brigade's founding in 1878, and Eltham's chief fire officer for 30 years. He had no plans of soon retiring from volunteering or his carpet and vinyl business.
``He coped with adversity - losing his wife, Doogie, and two grandchildren and son Craig involved in a serious accident - by burying himself in work.
Max said Norm's record at the fire brigade included a remarkable 92 per cent attendance record at weekly drills and meetings and leading Eltham teams to win 12 Taranaki fire fighting competitions, five North Island championships, four national runner-ups, and a national win at Whakatane in 2003.
Norm is survived by his five brothers; three children, Karen, Deidre and Craig; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Acting chief fire officer Dave Waite says the community can rest assured that the team will continue to provide the quick response that they expect.-->-->-->