THE family and friends of popular journalist Alex Kalinik who passed away a week before his wedding gathered to say an emotional farewell to him.

The 37-year-old, who was due to marry his fiancée Katy Jones at the beginning of this month, was laid to rest at the Cardiff Natural Burial Meadow overlooking the Vale of Glamorgan.

More than a hundred mourners paid their respects to him in a moving service.

The funeral of the former South Wales Argus news and sub editor saw his favourite songs played, including the Electric Light Orchestra’s Mr Blue Sky and the melody that was due to be played for the first dance at his and Katy’s wedding, Regina Spektor’s Us.

Unlike his nemesis, the earlier version of Ebenezer Scrooge, Alex adored Christmas and mourners were encouraged to wear festive garb in his memory, which many did, as well as sport Wales rugby shirts as he was a passionate supporter of the national team.

It was fitting that the final tune was in true Yuletide tradition as the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl’s Fairy Tale of New York was played.

His many loved ones and close amigos raised a glass to him afterwards at Cardiff’s Zerodegrees where he and Katy enjoyed their first date seven years ago.