A PACKED St Lawrence Church congregation said goodbye to “one of Alton’s great characters” on Monday. Norman Gill died in Southampton Hospital on Friday, July 1, aged 78.

They had come to say goodbye, said Rev Andrew Micklefield, to a man “who brought a smile to many in the town. We all have so many stories, we can share about him a man who in his own way contributed so much to the community.”

Norman was born in Alton and lived with his mother Rose, to whom he was devoted, and also had a brother and a step-father. He worked at Coors Brewery.

His great friend, former Alton florist, Sheila Betts, provided stunning displays for the funeral and had made a beautiful wreath of summer and autumn flowers to be laid on the coffin.

Norman, she told the congregation, was a “very special person and we couldn’t let him go without a goodbye. A very kind, loving and thoughtful man and I am proud I have been allowed to do his flowers.”

She explained they had each made a promise to each other. “I was to do his funeral flowers if he went first and if I went first I would get my daughter to do the flowers at his funeral.”

Recalling that Norman came into her florist shop in the High Street every day, she raised a laugh when she added “And with a cigarette in his mouth. He always had a cigarette.

“Also, he will be remembered for his collection of hats; he had one for every occasion and we loved him dearly and he would not have wanted him to go without saying goodbye.”

Rev Micklefield said they also ought to mention Norman’s collection of wigs. “The world needs people like Norman, someone who was loving and caring. It can be a difficult and sad place but when you met Norman you smiled and he would smile no matter what it might be.

“In God’s house there is room for everyone and we can claim that permission for Norman. In God’s eyes Norman is as large as life and we give thanks for that life.”

He then read the moving poem “The Ship” before the congregation sang the final hymn. A collection was taken for church funds.

Norman’s was cremated on Tuesday and his ashes buried in Alton Cemetery next to the remains of his mother Rose.