Laughter has been prominent at the funeral of radio/TV legend and actor, Graham Kennedy, at the Mittagong Playhouse in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Stuart Wagstaff, who presided over proceedings, told the gathering it was to be a celebration rather than a bon voyage and invited them to feel free to applaud.

As John Paul Young sang ‘Love Is In The Air’, Noeline Brown and John Mangos told countless Kennedy anecdotes. Laughter aside, Mangos choked back emotion to finish with:

“Graham loved a lot of things. I just wish he’d loved himself as much as we loved him.”

Comedy writer, Mike McColl Jones, paid a unique tribute by reading a fax he said Kennedy had sent him from heaven.

“Dear Mike, speak up and don’t faint.” – Graham knows how terrified I am. “You know how much I loathe flying – this is the smoothest flight I ever had. Not one bump. Good airline food too. Great airline – Air God.

“I hear Derryn [Hinch] outed me. I’ve got a hot flash for him – it’s rife up here. Only a few minutes ago, I saw Oscar Wilde holding hands with Chips Rafferty.

“I reckon if Hinch’s body is ever washed up on a beach, police will be interviewing suspects for seven years.

“I must go now I’m about to meet the ‘big G’ – God. I said he could come over at two o’clock!”

The funeral ended with a standing ovation as Kennedy’s casket was carried through the crowd.

Kennedy, who died last week aged 71, made his final public appearance in what is described as a one hour journey of music, laughter and tears – more like a show than a funeral.

Other speakers included Jack Thompson, Graeme Blundell; David Williamson and Bert Newton (via a video link). Toni Lamond also sang and St Kilda AFL club members acted as pallbearers.

In the lead up to the funeral, close friend, Tony Sattler, said: “I can tell you who won’t be there – Derryn Hinch. It’s been a hell of a week and Hinch really hasn’t helped.

“I know journalism, ethics and integrity don’t mix very well – no offence – but, he knew it was wrong and he still went ahead and said it.”