Mourners gathered at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Wexford town last night for the removal service of meteorologist and Irish Times columnist Brendan McWilliams.
Mr McWilliams (63), originally from Waterville, Co Kerry, died last Monday at his home in Wexford, following a short illness.
A renowned meteorologist and former deputy director of Met Éireann, Mr McWilliams popularised the science of meteorology in his Weather Eye column which he wrote for The Irish Timesfor more than 20 years and in his regular contributions to the RTÉ radio programme, Today with Pat Kenny.
Fr Jim Fegan, administrator of the parish, described Mr McWilliams as "a man of remarkable qualities" and "a true gentleman in the classic sense of the word".
Fr Fegan also spoke of Mr McWilliams's sense of humour. He had "a considerable wit" and "was known for the deftness and perception of his humour".
He also knew that "laughter was the most effective antidote to the gloom and pessimism that can prevail in our daily lives", Fr Fegan added.
Fr Fegan said: "Through his professional career he brought to life what could have been a very difficult subject for most to comprehend."
Mr McWilliams's family, his wife Anne, daughter Laurie and sons Stephen and Christopher and his grandson Adam, would all have their own fond memories of him, Fr Fegan said.
But to everyone who knew him he would be remembered as "a fun loving and joy-filled man".
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr McWilliams's daughter Laurie thanked all those who had given them so much support in recent days.
Addressing the memory of her father directly, she said: "I am proud that you were my father."
The removal service was attended by Met Éireann forecaster Gerald Fleming and other Met Éireann colleagues including Dr Jim Hamilton and Liam Keegan.
Prof Ray Bates, adjunct professor of meteorology in UCD, also attended.
The funeral Mass will take place at noon today at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Rowe Street, Wexford town.
