"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.