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Scores of mourners packed out a church to pay tribute to a popular barman.
Funeral-goers descended on St Martin’s near Herne Bay yesterday to say their final goodbyes to Lee Harlow, who was best-known for pulling pints in a number of the town’s pubs.
Friends and family of the much-loved 32-year-old gathered outside the village landmark after the cortege arrived, having wound its way to the venue from his home in Bullockstone Road at midday.
During the service, loved ones described the pub favourite, who took his own life towards last month, as a “gentle giant” with “a heart of gold”.
Brother Terry Harlow told the gathering: “There’s never been a day I didn’t have Lee in my life.
“He was so sweet, so kind as a brother. Through the good and the bad we had each other – I have no doubt he still has my back now.
“Lee, you showed us all what it means to love and we will cherish those memories of you forever.
“You have left us much too soon, but you have left us with an incredible model to live our lives by.
“He had love for you all.”
Prior to the 2pm ceremony, motorists were told to expect delays around the Bay while the procession, including a horse-drawn hearse, travelled through High Street and Canterbury Road.
Lee’s coffin was carried into the church by seven of his closest loved ones as a track by Linkin Park rang out through the hall.
Rev Carol Smith, who led the service, then described the bartender as "a beautiful child who grew up to be a kind man”, before his mum, Annie, delivered a eulogy.
“Everyone who knew Lee absolutely loved him,” she said.
“No-one dreamed of the crumbling person inside, but there was and unfortunately he couldn’t cope anymore.
“He’s saved a lot of people from the same fate as his.
"I’m honoured to be his mum.”
Lee – who previously worked for the Diver’s Arms, Druid’s Head and the Prince of Wales pubs – had been battling depression since the age of seven, and even sought help from a number of services.
But his family was told early on August 24 of his tragic suicide, after police were called to a bridge in Bullockstone Road amid reports of “concern for a man”.
Rev Smith added during the service: “None of us expected to be here doing this. They are such tragic circumstances.
“There are so many 'if onlys' and 'what ifs' to deal with, and so many feelings of regret and of being unable to do something to prevent what has happened.”
Following the funeral, a number of close family and friends visited the Druid’s Head for a wake.
