HE was the master writer, with the mesmerising ability to illustrate through prose how every person has a unique story.

So, as the crowds gathered at the funeral of Alan Whalley, the former St Helens Star editor and columnist, it was fitting that his family delivered a service that summed up the great man’s own life so poetically.

READ MORE > Whalley's World discovered a treasure trove of local heroes

Alan, who lived in Moss Bank, passed away earlier this month in Whiston Hospital at the aged of 86 after a short battle with pneumonia.

The service at St David’s Church in Carr Mill on Tuesday struck the perfect balance in its portrayal of Alan, the loving husband, father, granddad and friend and Alan, the charismatic, magnetic giant of local newspaper journalism.

The Reverend Scott Davies described how, even in the final week of his life, Alan remained as inquisitive as ever, chatting to the nurses and doctors in Whiston Hospital and building a picture of their lives.

“He found the unique story in everyone,” Reverend Davies told the congregation.

Mourners heard eloquent speeches from Alan’s son Lincoln, daughter Robyn and wife Sandra. There was even a reading from his grandson Maximilian, nine.

Robyn reflected on her memories as a young girl when she would see her dad at events holding “court like the king”, although, she quipped, that his wicked sense of humour meant he often played the “role of the jester” too.

She also described how his storytelling technique was honed on the imaginative tales he would share with his children and grandchildren. Smiling, she said there would be no attempts to “sanctify” their dad and his colourful life but said she would forever be grateful for enjoying a place in “Alan Whalley’s Wonderful World”.

Lincoln, meanwhile, stressed that despite his dad’s brilliant career, family never played second fiddle. He said this was evident in all the football matches, school performances and band gigs Alan travelled to watch him play and perform in across the north west. But he said his dad, never lost that editor’s touch, and was always quick to make a handy suggestion about how an acting part or song could be enhanced in the quest for improvement.

As many of Alan’s former colleagues from the Star listened, Lincoln read a version of Alan’s Goodbye to Journalism piece,which featured in the Star on his retirement in 2009.

A collection of photographs reflecting Alan’s life were played on a big screen, before Sandra shared a poem she had written for her husband before his wedding day, titled: Be not afraid.

She told the congregation she would treasure their moments of laughter, particularly when Alan knew he had found something she found truly funny and would keep going as he built to an almighty “crescendo of laughter”.

Prayers were said by his friends Helen and Mike Pollard, and Alan's coffin was carried by his family, including granddaughters, Rhiannon and Amelia.

It was a beautiful farewell.