It was a sad and reflective day on Friday for a man who never lost his smile.

People gathered last week at a funeral home in Newtown to mourn Mike Wahrlich,who died in the blaze at Loafers Lodge.

He was often seen juggling tennis balls in the CBD, notably by Westpac bank on Lambton Quay, and was nicknamed 'Mike the Juggler' by Wellingtonians.

Tennis balls were placed on his casket, alongside flowers, as people spoke of their memories of him.

Some also sung songs to farewell the man who was remembered as Wellington's entertainer.

His funeral was attended by the Mayor, a Police officer, a building inspector, a Black Power member, other street performers, locals, and his family.

Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell attended the funeral and compiled audio from the day.

LISTEN ABOVE

It was a sad and reflective day on Friday for a man who never lost his smile.
People gathered last week at a funeral home in Newtown to mourn Mike Wahrlich,who died in the blaze at Loafers Lodge.
He was often seen juggling tennis balls in the CBD, notably by Westpac bank on Lambton Quay, and was nicknamed 'Mike the Juggler' by Wellingtonians.
Tennis balls were placed on his casket, alongside flowers, as people spoke of their memories of him.
Some also sung songs to farewell the man who was remembered as Wellington's entertainer.
His funeral was attended by the Mayor, a Police officer, a building inspector, a Black Power member, other street performers, locals, and his family.
Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell attended the funeral and compiled audio from the day.
LISTEN ABOVE

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis.

You don't find many people more passionate about the capital than Nick, and he comes to Wellington Mornings after decades of success as the man behind some of the city's leading hospitality and entertainment offerings - Spruce Goose, Hummingbird and the Wellington Saints basketball team just to name a few.

Nick's proud of his city but also knows much can be improved on to make Wellington an even better place, and brings an honest, edgy, fun and engaging show to Wellingtonians each weekday from 9 'til midday.

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis. You don't find many people more passionate about the capital than Nick, and he comes to Wellington Mornings after decades of success as the man behind some of the city's leading hospitality and entertainment offerings - Spruce Goose, Hummingbird and the Wellington Saints basketball team just to name a few. Nick's proud of his city but also knows much can be improved on to make Wellington an even better place, and brings an honest, edgy, fun and engaging show to Wellingtonians each weekday from 9 'til midday.

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis.

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