Darts legend Andy Fordham was laid to rest during a funeral in Chislehurst on Friday afternoon as hundreds of mourners came to pay their respects at his funeral
Fordham died of organ failure in hospital at the age of 59 last month after a lengthy battle with many health issues.
The service in south-east London was an invite-only event, but fans of 'The Viking' were able to tune in online to pay their respects.
As the hearse arrived, a wreath in the shape of a giant Viking helmet was laid on the lawn along with a huge darts board floral display.
Blue and white flowers, the colours of Scotland, were laid beneath it alongside a Union Jack wreath.
The lawn was carpeted in more wreaths and bouquets from devastated family and friends hugging and sobbing as they remembered the darts legend.
A mix of sports colleagues who joked together remembered their favourite pub moments as well as close family still coming to terms with the news.
More than 200 mourners gathered into the chapel while Frank Sinatra's Fly Me to the Moon played.
Among those present were dart legends Tony O'Shea, Nicky Turner, Harold Witham and also former Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram.
Paying tribute to her father, daughter Emily Fordham said during the service: "You left us heartbroken and lost wondering what life would be like without you.
"It's only been a few weeks but already your laughter, your big cuddles, you are so missed. Your stupid jokes that would take it ages to get out because you couldn't stop laughing at yourself. They weren't even funny, it was you that made it funny.
"You've made a hole in our family and things are not going to be the same without you.
"We all loved you so much, the kids adored you so much. They are what kept you going through your low days.
"You said you couldn't wait to get better so all the grandkids see you on the stage. But they'll always have the videos to show people their grandad, the legend.
"I'm going to miss you so much treacle but I've got your memories to keep me going, the terrible singing, the endless laughing and my passenger seat opinions that drove you mad.
"I'll never be able to listen to My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion without a few tears."
Fordham defeated Mervyn King to win the British Darts Organisation World Championship in 2004 and his last professional appearance came in 2018.
He was admitted to hospital in March 2020 with a bowel problem and tested positive for coronavirus in January this year.
"This is the scariest thing I've ever had to face in my life," Fordham told The Sun after contracting Covid-19.
"My biggest fear is waking up one morning, not being able to breathe and being placed in the back of the ambulance - then not seeing my wife and children again.
"When you get the virus you suddenly realise everything you take for granted.
"I am sitting thinking a lot about all the things I'd miss if this virus overcomes me, like seeing my grandchildren grow up.
"I'm just hoping and praying I come through it."
Fordham passed away on Thursday 15 July and wife Jenny - who was by his bedside at the time - paid an emotional tribute to her late husband, saying: "Andy was, is, and always will be my champion."
The BDO also paid tribute with a statement which read: "The British Darts Organisation is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of the darts legend Andy (The Viking) Fordham, a true gentleman of the game who will be deeply missed by all.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with his family at this time."
16-time world champion Phil Taylor added: "When you think of the brightest stars to light up the oche, none of us shone brighter than Andy.
"He was one of our biggest characters, one of the top draws, and everywhere he went, the punters loved him.
"I can't believe we will never see the big man in a major tournament again – he leaves a void which may never be filled."
Taylor - who was then Professional Darts Corporation World Champion - faced Fordham in 2004 in a clash which was titled 'The Showdown'.
Breathing difficulties forced the latter to retire as he trailed 5-2 in the best-of-13 tilt.
Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn and legendary promoter Barry Hearn described Fordham as a "great personality and a lovely man" in his own glowing tribute.
"Andy was one of the most recognisable players worldwide throughout his career and extremely popular around the world," said Hearn.
"His 2004 win at Lakeside will always be remembered as the greatest moment of Andy’s career and we also knew how much it meant to him when he qualified for the Grand Slam a decade later.
"He was a great personality and a lovely man, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
