FAMILY and friends said a final farewell to David Williams, who was killed in the horrific collision on the Great Coates railway.
More than 70 mourners travelled from across the country to say goodbye to the "happy-go-lucky" Cleethorpes man, pictured right, at Grimsby Crematorium yesterday.
His partner of 19 years, Carolyn Woodward, placed a single red rose on his simple white coffin as friends and families watched on through tears to Prince's Purple Rain.
Carolyn described him as a "fun loving man with a wicked sense of humour" while friends nicknamed him a "loveable rogue".
Speaking on Carolyn's behalf, Tony Jewitt, administrator for the Bridge Fellowship Church, said: "He was quick-witted and made many people around him laugh.
"He was also extremely considerate and always thought of other people first. He was always on hand when anyone needed him.
"Their days together were very much the same... Dave working ridiculous hours while Carolyn waited for him to arrive home.
"He would call her on the way back and told her every day he loved her."
The 40-year-old was a passenger in Paul Hodge's Volvo, which was hit by a train 10 day days ago. Paul, 47, also died.
Dave and Carolyn moved to Grimsby a year ago and within ten days he got a job at Immingham Docks.
Before that they ran a café together in Blackpool after moving north from Somerset, where they had lived for 15 years.
Addressing the mourners, Mr Jewitt asked them to reflect on Dave's life to his favourite song, Who Let In The Rain by Cyndi Lauper.
He said: "Ten days ago there was an event that changed your lives.
"There is pain and what feels like emptyness. Some are overwhelmed by emotion, anger, guilt, disbelief.
"It is hard to believe Dave has been taken. His life was cruelly and tragically cut short."
Reflecting his positive outlook on life, Bob Marley's No Woman No Cry played as mourners arrived and as they waited to say goodbye to their friend, the song faded, telling them: "Everything's gonna be alright".
Best friend of 20 years, Brian Salter, recalled fond memories of darts challenges, practical jokes and Dave's caring nature.
He said: "We quickly became friends. He was a happy go lucky character who would never let anything phase him. He got us through tough times with a smile.
"Once you met him, you would never forget him. My memories will be of a very kind and caring man. He will always be in my heart as my best friend. He was one of the best."
Mr Hodge's funeral will be held next Friday at Grimsby Crematorium from 1pm. All are welcome to attend.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF TRAGEDY WON'T BE REVEALED UNTIL INQUEST The circumstances surrounding Paul Hodge and David William's deaths will not be revealed until the inquest. British Transport Police are investigating the tragedy with the Rail Accident Investigation Bureau. They are gathering evidence to be sent to the district coroner for North East Lincolnshire, Paul Kelly. This will outline what the police believe happened and be used at the inquest to establish the cause of death. A spokeswoman for British Transport Police said: "We are still looking into the circumstances." The inquest is expected later this year or at the start of 2014.