Helston came together last Friday to say goodbye to a man who always had the town at the forefront of his heart and mind.

An estimated 500 people attended a celebration of life for Wesley Bowden, who died unexpectedly at home from a heart attack three weeks ago, aged just 67.

Mourners had filled the main upstairs of Helston Methodist Church 45 minutes before the start of the service, with the Wesley Hall and foyer of the chapel also standing room only, such was the regard that the town held for Wesley.

The service was led by the Rev Danny Reed, Methodist minister and great friend of Wesley and his widow Lynn – who were married in the same chapel only five and a half months earlier.

Mr Reed also gave the eulogy for Wesley, who ran Bowden’s Home Hardware store in the town for 44 years.

He spoke of Wesley’s huge depth of knowledge about his business, describing how he was able to correctly remember the serial number of a bun tin his sister Carole had bought there 40 years earlier.

His generosity was also highlighted, going so far as to take down the shelving in the shop’s store room in order for Mr Reed to be able to have the same brackets that matched his existing shelves – and only charging him their original cost from 20 years ago.

Similarly, every request for a raffle prize for a charitable event was met.

Mr Reed said: “Wesley was one of Helston’s characters. You could never quite be sure what he was coming out with next.

“Wesley had special places for things and would often forget where they were – like keeping his passport in the fridge.”

He made reference to Wesley’s hard work in the shop, of his support of charities – and his “great dislike of Tesco” (and other large corporations, as a staunch supporter of local businesses), which prompted much knowing laughter.

He quoted Wesley’s own words to a colleague: “We can have a happier future by changing our living patterns and spending patterns. We all have a part to play.”

Wesley was chairman of the former Helston Chamber of Commerce, financially supported the Flora Day Association, was a past secretary of the Harvest Fair committee and ex-chairman of Helston Fatstock Show.

One of the hundreds of cards received by Lynn since his death described Wesley as “Mr Helston,” adding: “The light has gone out in the town with his passing.”

Wesley and Lynn had been due to move into the house he had built in Lady Street – the realisation of a long held dream – last week, and he had planned to retire in March next year. Sadly neither were to be.

Mr Reed said: “We were numbed by the news of Wesley’s death. We hold such special memories and we thank God we were privileged to know him.

“We are going to miss Wesley dreadfully.”

He echoed the words of many who had asked why Wesley was taken so soon, before sharing one suggestion he had received: “The pearly gates needed some WD-40…”

Mr Reed’s words prompted a spontaneous round of applause of agreement and appreciation at their conclusion.

During the service the Cadgwith Singers, of which Wesley was a member, sang The White Rose, while congregational hymns were Love Divine All Loves Excelling, In Christ Alone, And Can It Be That I Should Gain, and Now The Day Is Over.

Donations were taken in aid of Children’s Hospice South West (Little Harbour) and Helston Methodist Church.

Preceding the celebration of life, a funeral service took place at Treswithian Downs Crematorium near Camborne, where every seat was filled and mourners stood four deep at the back.

The bearers were Chris Andrews, Chris Hocking, Edwin Lawrance, Daniel Rutter, Chris Smith and David Williams.

Staff in Helston’s shops and businesses were asked to stand outside as Wesley made his final journey through the town, on the way to the crematorium. Many of them did so, where they were joined by members of the public.

The coffin was adorned with a simple cross, made out of white and yellow flowers, alongside a Cornish tartan sash.

The procession, carried out at walking pace, took in Meneage Street and Coinagehall Street, and was led by undertaker Tony Richards from Pendles and Mr Reed walking in front of the hearse.