Tears and laughter as jazz singer farewelled in style

The life of Beverly Jean Morrison, better known as the singer Beaver, was celebrated with song, laughter, tears and many fine stories on Saturday.

Beaver, who died last week aged 59, was farewelled at Auckland Town Hall by more than 500 people who had travelled from as far as Australia and Invercargill.

The common theme was a love for Beaver and her wonderful voice - considered to be one of the finest to sing at the famous Ronnie Scott's in London, according to the legendary jazzman.

As the dramatic, swirling Barber's Adaggio for strings played, family lit candles to make a flickering heart next to a photograph of the jazz diva.

This was followed by the first solo performance of the day with Beaver's daughter Kate singing the Beatles' I Will.

Son-in-law Hamish Gough delivered an emotional eulogy that illustrated her devotion to her family.

Daughter Fritha Stalker had the last official word with a funny, tearful, no-holds barred monologue that showed the true nature of a mother-daughter relationship with many ups and more than a few downs.

She recounted her mother's sense of humour and her wish to emulate Spike Milligan's famous headstone inscription: "I told you I was unwell".

Beaver died after a six-year battle with cancer.