According to his mates, Ian "Chisel" McCormack could always draw a crowd. Yesterday was no different. Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Mossman Golf Club for a fitting farewell to a man known not only for his antics, but also his generosity.

Actually, to use the term "mourners" does not seem to fit when it comes to the busloads of people who attended the service.

There was not a black piece of clothing in sight. Conversely, friends and family members seemed to don the loudest and most outrageous apparel they could get their hands on in a colourful tribute to the man.

Flamboyant hats were commonplace, as were his beloved Australian flags and Manly rugby jerseys. 

Read tributes to Chisel

Food and drink were plentiful and while the atmosphere seemed more like a celebration of his life than a mourning of his death, it was clear that under the surface each person had been shaken by his sudden passing.

Having said that, there would be no shortage of shoulders to cry on.