YOU would have been forgiven for thinking a hot rod car show was in town on Thursday.

The myriad of hotted up classic cars were part of procession for Tweed Heads man Geoffery David Norman, who died unexpectedly on September 26 aged in his late 60s.

Up to 70 hot rods made the journey from Chinderah to Melaleuca Station for Thursday's service.

Hundreds of family members, friends and hot rod mates attended Mr Norman's funeral, so many in fact not everyone could fit into the chapel.

The mood did not reflect sadness though, as cele- brant Marjolyn Kennedy said it was more of an event and celebration "of a mate's life".

"He touched so many people's lives," she said.

His brother-in-law Barry Saw read his eulogy to the large crowd.

He told tales of Mr Norman growing up; including the time he "borrowed" his mother Nancy's car, rolled it and his mate took the blame.

Mr Saw also outed his brother-in-law for wagging school.

"Yeah, he wasn't overly keen on school and preferred to wag to go fishing," he said.

"But he was so proud of fish he caught he'd go home and brag to his mum about it and get caught."

Mr Norman's six young grandchildren read out an original poem about their pop.

The poem said their "Poppy Norm" always made them laugh and was keen for a joke.

"But to everyone he was just a really great bloke," they read.

His granddaughter Layla said her pop was the best.

"Pop was the best and such a good man we might not be able to see him but we can hear him in our hearts," she said.