More than 3000 mourners including firefighters from across North America came to say a final good-bye to district chief Bob Leek.
Pipers played as the flag draped coffin carrying the fallen firefighter killed at the scene of last weekend's massive propane blast was led into church.
Dignitaries from all levels of government attended today's service, including many who have visited the blast site. York-Center M.P.P Monte Kwinter, whose parents are buried at the Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery that was partially destroyed in the blast, says more needs to be done to prevent this from ever happening again.
It is still not known what killed the 55-year-old veteran who collapsed at the scene of Sunday's propane explosion. He was pronounced dead in hospital. The results of a coroner's report are expected in six weeks.
Friends say the firefighter was supposed to have started the first day of his vacation on Sunday, but instead decided to put himself on duty when he heard about the blast. He leaves behind a wife and 20-year-old son.
The president of the Toronto Firefighters' Association says Leek will be remembered for his strong leadership in the Toronto Fire Service.
In a moving farewell, brother Jim Leek says Leek will be remembered as a "modern day knight".
Leek was a well known and respected member of the service, according to his colleagues. Fire chief Bill Stewart says he had an impact on many lives.
Leek's casket was carried by a pumper truck to the Prayer Palace on Arrow Road near Finch Avenue and Highway 400 at 11 a.m. this morning. Hundreds more were on the lawn outside the church.
Traffic was heavy and roads were closed temporarily for the procession in the area from Keele Street to Weston Road and Finch Avenue down to Highway 401.
The service was followed by a "final salute" in Leek's honour at the Fire Services Headquarters near Finch Avenue and Dufferin Street at 1 p.m.
Comprehensive coverage of the fallen firefighter's funeral, including the service was shown on CP24.
