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Family friends and colleagues turned out to celebrate the life of journalist and writer Graham Cole.
His funeral was held at Thamesview Crematorium on Wednesday, where a service attended by around 100 people was led by Rev Jacqueline Littlewood.
A long term editor at the KM Group's daily papers Evening Post and Kent Today, Mr Cole also worked at Gulf Mirror in Bahrain in the Middle East, was former evening service editor for PA News, and worked as a press officer for Gravesham Council, before retiring and penning novel The Last Punter.
Niece Julie Wilson said the occasion was a fitting tribute to man known for his sense of humour and passion for his work.
"It was a good turnout. Lots of nice things were said," she said.
"It was about how inspiring he was - he inspired people throughout his life. He was always driven in what he did, and he believed in everything he did.
"He was one of those people that if he decided he was going to do something he did it. Whatever he did he enjoyed it and he was good at what he did.
"That came out in what was said. I've known him all my life, but it was nice to hear what others said."
Graham's sister Stella also shared memories of her brother adding: "I could relate many stories about occasions I have spent with my young brother Graham, most happy, many humorous and some very sad. Too many to tell here.
"All very different e.g. Graham was a page boy at my first wedding but stood in for our late father and gave me away at my last.
"A warm, kind, intelligent, educated man. Who possessed a brilliant sense of humour and quick wit. I am proud to be your much older sister."
Former colleague Sarah Knight said: "We spoke as a team about Graham and what he was like as both a manager and as a friend, we reminisced about the old times, laughed and shed a few tears too.
"I used to love it when Graham would tell me a story about his life, I’d often ask him to repeat it to me a few months later so I could hear it again.
"Of course he did have a story about everything and often used to tell me whether I wanted to hear them or not.
"Graham was supportive, loyal, kind, had a very dry sense of humour, was passionate and at times a grumpy sod, but there was rarely a dull moment.
"He supported me, and lots of others, to further my career for which I will always be grateful.
"Graham was a boss, teacher, mentor and a friend and often reminded me that if you are doing a job that you enjoyed as a hobby then you must be on to a winner."
Attendees at the funeral later shared memories at Three Daws, in Gravesend, a favourite haunt of Mr Cole which he used to refer to as "meeting room 5."
Among the pall-bearers were nephew Mark Cheeseman and great nephew and godson Lee Wilson.
