Mourners hear of hard-man wrestler Bruce's caring nature

Robert Bruce, who once held the Commonwealth Heavyweight title, moved on from wrestling to represent some of NZ's top stars. Photo / Supplied

The sound of bagpipes and the solemn howling of dogs rang out at the funeral of former professional wrestler Robert Bruce yesterday - showing off just two of his many loves.

As his honey-coloured coffin - draped with sunflowers and carried by some of New Zealand's famous entertainers - passed into the church, mourners wept and animals howled, paying tribute to the man who friends say achieved all he wanted in life.

Up to 1000 people - many of them some of the country's best-known television figures - and a number of cats and dogs on leashes gathered at the Anglican church of St Matthew-in-the-City in Auckland to farewell the former wrestler-turned-celebrity agent.

The 65-year-old, who died on Monday, was known for his hard man antics as a professional wrestler in the 1970s. He later established the Robert Bruce Agency, which represented celebrities over the years, before becoming the vice-patron of the Auckland SPCA.

Many of those in the entertainment industry - including Temuera Morrison, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Jackie Clarke, Frankie Stevens and Robbie Magasiva - were among the mourners.

Mr Bruce's longtime partner, Gabriella, did not speak. However, those who gave eulogies spoke of a proud Scotsman who had a caring nature towards people and animals.

Temuera Morrison shared an insight into Mr Bruce's sense of humour.

When the agent called to tell him about the new gig he had scored for him, "I said, 'What you got for me brother?"' said Morrison.

"[Mr Bruce] said, 'Dancing with the Stars.'

"I said, 'Okay, make sure I win.'

"He said, 'Sorry, bro, they can't guarantee'."