THE sun broke through the cloud as heartbroken relatives carried red and white roses to the funeral of Craig Wass in Sheffield.
More than 100 mourners gathered at Grenoside Crematorium yesterday afternoon to lay the father-of-four to rest.
His family had waited almost four weeks to hold a funeral for the 39-year-old unemployed mechanic, killed in the street as his helpless mum Christine, sister Tracy and fiancee Andrea Grundy watched in horror.
They left messages of grief on cards in wreaths of flowers.
Tracy told Craig: "Not only were you my brother, you were my best friend. You will always be in my thoughts", while his mum and dad, Fred, remembered "wonderful memories of one so dear".
His children promised: "You will be in our hearts every day. We will always miss and love you forever" while nieces Vicky and Katie and nephew Bradley sent a wreath bearing the message: "You were a great uncle and friend."
Craig, of Phillips Road, Loxley, had been due to marry his fiancee Andrea, 24, two weeks ago. Instead, his devastated partner and mother of his three youngest children spent what should have been her wedding day preparing for his funeral.
Children Courtney, five, Callum, three, and Chelsey, 22 months, were spared the upset of attending the service.
Craig's 14-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, Samantha Taylor, posted a tribute to her father on the website Gone Too Soon.
It said: "Dad, you are truly and deeply missed. I don't know what people will do without you.
" You were always the man to help people out and to think that you're not coming back makes me sad.
"I miss you and will never forget you and I will never let you be forgotten. You will always be in my heart. I love you."
Craig's mum Christine, 62, who lived opposite her son, led the mourners. Still haunted by the images she has of her only son taking his last few breaths, she wiped away tears as she entered Grenoside Crematorium behind his coffin.
It was surrounded by floral tributes, including wreaths bearing the words 'Son', 'Dad', 'Brother' and 'Uncle', a heart-shaped wreath and bouquets.
Ryan Ward, 19, of Phillips Road, Loxley, has been charged with murder. He has been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on July 22, where he is expected to enter a plea. A provisional trial date has been set for November 2.
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