HUNDREDS of mourners from across North Wales flocked to Bron Y Nant crematorium today to pay their respects to a Colwyn Bay character who had "a life well lived".
Family and friends of Chris Heath, who died aged 59 in Penrhyn Road last week, turned out in droves to bid farewell to the popular member of the homeless community, whose passing shocked the community.
Following a procession through the streets of Colwyn Bay with Chris' coffin draped in flowers on the back of his son Frank's recovery truck, he was carried into the chapel in Mochdre with the 200 strong congregation close behind.
Onlookers were forced to stand outside and listen on a loud-speaker as family and friends filled the aisles, as the crowd sang the first hymn of the service, The Lord Is My Shepherd.
Vicar of Colwyn Bay, Canon Trevor Davies led the proceedings with a reading before sharing his own memories of Chris.
He said: "Why have we come here this afternoon? Because of the high regard we held for Chris. We've all been touched by him in some way or another and he's making his last journey now."
Canon Davies told the congregation how Chris was born in Rossett near Wrexham and moved to Colwyn Bay when he was 14 or 15 years old.
He had enjoyed making model aeroplances which he hung from the ceiling, and he had "a fantastic imagination".
He also used to drive a white Triumph Spitfire, and collected knives, swords and model cars.
Memories and reactions to Chris' death, which were shared in the Pioneer, were also read, as a tearful congregation listened on.
"There are so many here who would love to stand here and speak of him. I'm going to read from the Pioneer," said Mr Davies.
The women who found Chris and called 999, and the paramedics who tried to save his life were thanked as the congregation sang Abide With Me.
Addressing the large congregation, Mr Davies added: "The only reason you've come today is because of the high regard in which we have held him, the tremendous influence he had on us, and the pleasure of knowing him. His was a life well lived, and we have [the proof of it] it right here.
"He lived his life his way, without causing anyone offence at all. He was friendly to everybody.
"It makes us hope when we die we'll have the same turnout as this - this standard he has set. Now there is the challenge."