THE family of businessman Keith Poynton say they have been "blown away" by the support they have received since his death – and his legacy will now shape everything they do.
Hundreds of people turned out to pay their final respects to Mr Poynton at a celebration of his life yesterday.
The 57-year-old's son, Adam, paid tribute to his "hard-working" father, who died earlier this month when the Ferrari he was driving left the road and hit a tree.
The celebration was held at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, for whom Mr Poynton's other son, Tom, plays. His funeral had earlier taken place at Bretby Crematorium.
Adam said: "I'm blown away by the support we've had and how many have paid their respects.
"He would have loved it here. The club was his second home.
"We are blessed with the people who have come from the cricketing world, his business, his school and rugby mates."
Adam said the tragedy was a chance for the family to become even stronger.
He said: "The next few months will be very hard but we have had brilliant support. Dad was a big family man and was very loyal.
"Mum and Tom have been very strong and this will inspire me in the business world and Tom in the cricket world."
Adam said he remembers the moment he heard the news of his dad's death.
He said: "It was devastating. It was the end of the world as we know it but Dad would have wanted life to move on. It will make me much stronger and determined.
"I'd like to say a special thank-you to Chris Grant, Simon Storey and the Rev Adam Watkinson, who led the funeral service."
The gathering sang Jerusalem and I Vow To Thee and the poems Death is Nothing at All and Not How Did He Die, But How Did He Live were read.
Many players attended the service, including club captain Wayne Madsen and overseas star Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Chris Grant, Derbyshire County Cricket Club chairman and Mr Poynton's close friend, described what the past few weeks had been like.
Mr Poynton, of Rosliston, was an engineering director for Briggs of Burton and Mr Grant said he was well respected in the business community.
Mr Grant said: "It has been a fantastic turnout and that is a mark of respect to how well-liked he was. There are people from the club here and his business contacts.
"The past few weeks have been the toughest of my life since the accident happened.
"I've tried to offer comfort to the family, all of whom I absolutely love."
On the order of service, a message from his wife, Sheena, read: "Thank you for joining us to celebrate the life of my beloved husband Keith Poynton. The father of my two wonderful sons, Adam and Tom.
"We would like you to talk about him, laugh about him and share your stories about him. He would have loved that. He was the life and soul of any party.
"He would air guitar with the best!
"We will miss him every single day of our lives. Personally, I have loved him from the very first day we met and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
"He will live on in our family and his legacy will shape everything we do.
"He may be gone from our sight but he will live on in our hearts forever."
