HUNDREDS of people have paid an emotional farewell to a much-loved Hull doorman.
Family, friends and colleagues of Stuart Mathers, 42, gathered at Chanterlands Crematorium, in west Hull, yesterday to pay tribute to a "wonderful and loving" father.
Mourners lined the streets to pay their respects to Mr Mathers, who was discovered dead in his garage last month after a fire at his home in Kingswood.
The hearse stopped at Don Dixon Butchers in Holderness Road, east Hull, where Mr Mathers had worked for 14 years.
It then stopped again outside Diva's Club in Anlaby Road, west Hull, where he had been one of the city's best-known doormen for several years.
About 300 mourners then gathered to say their final goodbyes at the chapel.
During the service, Mr Mathers's sister Debbie Mathers said: "I learned so much from my brother.
"He was very well loved by so many.
"I look in the mirror now, and I know things will never be the same again. Love you."
Mr Mathers was found when firefighters battled a blaze at his home in Hyde Park Road in the early hours of Wednesday, June 11.
A joint investigation was initially launched by Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue, but no suspicious circumstances were found.
The congregation heard how Mr Mathers was a passionate rugby player, angler and motorcyclist.
He played rugby union with his dad, Keith, and played for Driffield when he was younger.
He spent hours sea fishing at Bridlington and off parts of Scotland.
Mr Mathers's daughter Carla said: "You were loved by so many people, Dad. You touched the hearts of thousands of people. You were so popular.
"You were always so kind and looked after people. We love you so much and we will always be thinking of you."
Mr Mathers was renowned among friends and family for being able to eat a dozen Weetabix for his breakfast.
Friends and family heard how Mr Mathers was a big eater and particularly enjoyed roast dinners and steak.
Mr Mathers also enjoyed a wide variety of music.
World's Greatest by R Kelly and Don't Look Back In Anger by Oasis were both played during the ceremony.
In a eulogy, Mr Mathers was described as a man with "a wicked sense of humour," and a "ladies' man".
He was also well-known across the city for making "amazing" sausages and for playing pranks on people.
Mr Mathers had a number of close friends and took both his jobs very seriously, the congregation heard.
He is survived by his parents Norma and Keith, brother Richard and sisters Debbie and Nikki.
A collection was taken after the ceremony, with proceeds going to Bridlington Lifeboat.
