The "wonderful and extraordinary" contribution to the arts in Ireland by John Hunt was recalled yesterday when senior figures from the arts world attended Mr Hunt's funeral service in Dublin.
Delivering the homily to the congregation at St Fintan's Church in Sutton, Father Jim Culliton of Belvedere College said the words "faithfulness and love" best summed up the art historian.
"We should celebrate what John meant for us and how he touched so many people in his life," the priest said.
Father Culliton said Mr Hunt (47) had died "very peacefully and comfortably" last Sunday evening in the presence of his wife, Patricia, and their three young children: Jack, Paddy and Miriam.
While Mr Hunt had many interests and passions, he was devoted to his family. "His love for his wife and children enabled him to do the wonderful and extraordinary things he did, even mad things like trips to places like Mostar in clapped out vehicles," he said.
Mr Hunt, who had been ill for some time, died last Sunday evening.
With his sister Trudy, he founded the Hunt Museum in Limerick. It houses up to 2,000 artefacts from a collection assembled by their parents, John and Gertrude Hunt, which is worth more than €70 million and includes works by Picasso and Henry Moore. The museum was opened to the public in 1997.
Mr Hunt's funeral mass took place yesterday at St Fintan's Church and burial took place afterwards at St Fintan's Cemetery, close to the Hunts' home at the Baily, Howth.
Hundreds of people attended the service. The chief celebrant was Father Eamon Ó Cuív, brother of art historian Ruairí Ó Cuív, a close friend of Mr Hunt.
It was concelebrated by Father Raymond Molony, parish priest of Sutton, Father Culliton and Father Derek Cassidy, of Belvedere College, and Father Andrew, Prior of Glenstal.
During the service, Mr Hunt's daughter Miriam was applauded after she read a communion reflection.
Among those who attended from the arts were Ms Mary Cloake, Arts Council director; Mr Raymond Keaveney, director of the National Gallery; Mr Dermot McLoughlin, director of Temple Bar Properties.
Also present were actors Barry McGovern and Joan Sheehy; writer Evelyn Conlon, poets Anne Hartigan and Theo Dorgan and artists Ita Kelly, Brian Bourke and Jay Murphy.
Senator Feargal Quinn, former Arts Council director Mr Colm O Briain and former council members David McConnell and Phelim Donlon were also among the mourners.
Mr Hunt was born in Limerick in 1957 and with Trudy, his sister, was granted the freedom of that city in 1997.
His contribution to the cultural life of Limerick was marked by the attendance of the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Michael Hourigan; director of the Hunt Museum Ms Virginia Teehan; Limerick city manager Mr Tom Mackey and the president of the University of Limerick, Dr Roger Downer.
Others who travelled from Limerick included Mr Tony Brazil, representing the city's business community, and Mr Brian O'Connell, of Shannon Development.
