Hundreds gathered on a quiet residential street in Arrowtown yesterday to pay their last respects to well-known entertainer Kevin Lynch.
Mr Lynch (60) died last Wednesday after a long battle with cancer and, in a fitting tribute, his funeral was something a little different.
The Arrow Miners Band, complete with Buckingham Belles, could be heard long before people arrived at the home Mr Lynch shared with his wife, Jenny, for the celebration of his life, which began with an electric-guitar version of the National Anthem.
Then came audio of Mr Lynch as his much-loved character "Len the Loser", which prompted smiles and laughter from those gathered around the family's garden.
The service, conducted by long-time friends Peter Doyle and Alan McKay, included friends and family sharing their memories and musical tributes.
Among those who addressed the mourners was David John, who co-wrote the musical Rush! in 1988 with Mr Lynch.
Next year, the show will be performed in Edinburgh.
In 1997, Mr Lynch created Len the Loser - a character he told his family about on the morning of his 49th birthday - which led to him being named the Variety Club Entertainer of the Year in 2004 for his comedy act.
His daughter, Emma Pullar, and his wife also spoke at the service.
The Lynch Mob, the family band formed by Mr Lynch, performed Broken Wings, sung by Mrs Pullar, and Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb, Mr Lynch's favouriteMr Lynch will be buried at a private service to-day.
