Friends and family of former nightclub and cafe owner, Danny Smith, crowded into Falmouth Methodist Church yesterday to say their farewells to “a great man” who will be sorely missed.

Danny died at Mount Edgecumbe Hospice on December 6 at the age of 59 – less than a year after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He had owned the Packet Ship Restaurant in Arwenack Street before buying Shades nightclub in 1997 which he retained until 2003 when he moved to Exeter.

He returned to Falmouth five years ago and for a while owned Cafe Strand opposite Prince of Wales Pier.

Leading the mourners at yesterday’s funeral were Danny’s brother, Gary Harrington, and sister, Julie Cavill. The church service was followed by cremation at Penmount before a wake held at the Seaview Inn in Falmouth.

Tributes have been flooding into Danny’s Facebook page since news of his death broke. Flip Morris, wrote yesterday: “Was a lovely service and so many people. You were a one off Danny Smith.”

Sally Bennett said: “Seeing all your friends and family today was such a bittersweet experience. Listening to your choice of music.....you're a bloody star Mr Smith and we will miss you bird. Save us a space at the bar.”

Jacci Kitts wrote: “Wonderful service Danny so many people - it shows how much you were thought of bird - everyone is going to miss you - save a place at the Big Bar up there for the rest of us and don't drink all of the vodka - Goodbye Smithy - one of my oldest friends.”

Kev Burrow said: “RIP Danny, sorry I can't be there my friend but thinking of you and all the fun times and laughs we had and putting the world to rights over two or dree voddys! Till we meet again take it easy.”

The family had requested donations be made following the funeral service to the Cornwall Palliative Care Team or Cornwall Hospice Care.