PEDRENA, Spain, May 11 (Reuters) - Mourners gathered under cloudy skies for Seve Ballesteros's funeral at the small church of San Pedro in his hometown of Pedrena in northern Spain on Wednesday.
The five-times Major winner and inspiration to a generation of golfers died at his home aged 54 in the early hours of Saturday morning, after having had four operations on a brain tumour diagnosed
back in 2008.
His wishes for an intimate service were being observed and the funeral mass was due to take place at 1100 GMT. Afterwards the family will return to his nearby house for a private ceremony where his ashes were to be scattered in the garden.
The village of around 1,500 inhabitants was still quiet, with Spanish flags embossed with a black ribbon hanging from many of the balconies.
A large banner on the approach road to the village read "Thank You, Seve."
There were around 50 journalists and camera crews around the entrance to the church, which was adorned with upwards of 30 wreaths from those paying their respects, such as the Spanish Royal family and the government.
Three large television screens had been set up in a small square alongside the church for people who wanted to watch the televised ceremony, but locals and visitors were still outnumbered by the media.
Local resident Pedro told Reuters: "He (Seve) was a gentleman that I knew for my whole life, I met him when he was a child, and I would like to attend (the funeral). I had a friendship with his parents and him."
Among the mourners expected to attend the funeral are three former Ryder Cup captains, royalty and sports administrators.
Two of the first to arrive were Spain's secretary of state for sport Albert Soler and Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno.
The five-times Major winner and inspiration to a generation of golfers died at his home aged 54 in the early hours of Saturday morning, after having had four operations on a brain tumour diagnosed
back in 2008.
His wishes for an intimate service were being observed and the funeral mass was due to take place at 1100 GMT. Afterwards the family will return to his nearby house for a private ceremony where his ashes were to be scattered in the garden.
The village of around 1,500 inhabitants was still quiet, with Spanish flags embossed with a black ribbon hanging from many of the balconies.
A large banner on the approach road to the village read "Thank You, Seve."
There were around 50 journalists and camera crews around the entrance to the church, which was adorned with upwards of 30 wreaths from those paying their respects, such as the Spanish Royal family and the government.
Three large television screens had been set up in a small square alongside the church for people who wanted to watch the televised ceremony, but locals and visitors were still outnumbered by the media.
Local resident Pedro told Reuters: "He (Seve) was a gentleman that I knew for my whole life, I met him when he was a child, and I would like to attend (the funeral). I had a friendship with his parents and him."
Among the mourners expected to attend the funeral are three former Ryder Cup captains, royalty and sports administrators.
Two of the first to arrive were Spain's secretary of state for sport Albert Soler and Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno.
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