THE life of a popular Gillingham man was celebrated at a special memorial event that was ‘out of this world’.

Brian Smith, a well-known member of the community in the town, passed away recently at the age of 76.

Among his final wishes was a desire to have his ashes sent into the skies in a rocket, to the sounds of Norman Greenbaum’s timeless classic, Spirit In The Sky.

So, on Saturday, August 19, friends and relatives gathered at Rocky’s Bar, in Queen Street – where Brian was a regular on poker nights – to toast his memory, and carry out his wish.

Brian’s family and friends gathered at Rocky’s Bar in Gillingham to say farewell

Born in Bethnal Green, London, in 1947, Brian was one of 10 children.

He was father to five girls – Terri from his first marriage and Zoe, Louise, Rosie and Grace from his second.

The family moved to Lox Lane in 1999, and Gillingham 13 years later, where Brian was a regular churchgoer and a popular member of the community.

“The church and Rocky’s especially have been so helpful in organising his celebration, the love felt there on Saturday was outstanding,” the family said.

“Dad’s wishes were to have his ashes in a rocket to the song Spirit In The Sky and it was a wonderful sight.

“The family would like to thank the church, Rocky’s Bar and his many friends in the community for attending his celebration.”

Rocky’s Bar was the ‘main helper and contributor’, the family added, with huge thanks.

Brian is survived by his five children and wife, Sharon.

Brian was a regular at Rocky’s Bar poker nights