'Full house' for Ron Hynes at funeral filled with music, laughter

It was standing room only forthefuneral oflegendary Newfoundland singer-songwriter Ron HynesMonday afternoon.

"Well, he got a full house, he'd like that," saidHynes's longtime friendGreg Malone, as he begantheeulogy.

The service, held at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in downtown St. John's, was filled with music, laughter, and reflection onbothHynes's accomplishments and demons.

"Who else would we weep for if not for Ron?Who more deserves his tears than he?" said Malone.

"All those lovely songs are now the ties that bind our hearts to his and to each other."

The funeral was alsofilled with Hynes's best-loved music, including a performance by hisdaughters, whosang30for 60and I Love You More Than God.

"Unfortunately, Ron didn't write a lot of hymns, so you won't find these hymns in the hymn book in the pew," joked Father PaulLundrigan, who delivered the service.

"I've got totell you guys, this is probably the least formal presentation we've ever had."

Rick Mercer read When I Think of Deathby Maya Angelou, andDes Walshand Cathy Jones both delivered readings.

The funeral ended with Alan Doyle leading the entire church in singing St. John's Waltz,and some people waltzing in the aisles.

Hynes died Thursday night, after a battle with cancer.

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After the funeral there was areception for family, friends and fans at the Delta Hotel.

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