Whenever Setaleki Kolomaka was asked by his three daughters how he was feeling, the fun-loving dad would reply, Man! I Feel Like A Woman.
So it was to a remixed version of the Shania Twain hit, that Mr Kolomaka's coffin was carried from Keiraview Uniting Church in West Wollongong, after his funeral on Saturday.
The light-hearted moment, which had tearful mourners smiling and inspired one man to dance in the aisle, was a nod to the way Mr Kolomaka's big heart and joyful spirit brought happiness to those around him.
Mr Kolomaka, 39, died after he was hit in the chest by an ultra high pressure jet of water while cleaning a catchment sump at BlueScope's Springhill site last Thursday week.
He left behind a wife, Kristy and daughters, Lyniana, 8, Saane, 6, and Taimani-Latu, 5, whose names, along with those of his mother, Latu M Tupou, were emblazoned on the backs of black T-shirts worn by many at his funeral.
More than 300 mourners arrived at the small church on Fisher St for the 10am funeral and with standing room only, about 50 people overflowed into the car park for the duration of the service.
Reverend Mark Greenlees wore a robe adorned with a rainbow and mourners tucked bright yellow, white and orange gerberas behind their ears in tribute to Woonona's Mr Kolomaka, whom they remembered as "the flower man".
Joining his family were representatives from the Tongan community, BlueScope, the Wollongong Weerona rugby union club and Veolia Environmental Services, formerly Allied, where Mr Kolomaka had worked for 10 years.
Former Wombats Rugby Union players remembered their friend, who they knew as Sione, as a "warrior" who was "always with a flower behind his ear".
The club sponsored Mr Kolomaka's visa to migrate to Australia from Tonga in 1996 and, they said, he proved to be a first-rate player and loyal and dedicated member of the team.
Allied Engineering general manager Gary Bruce also recalled Mr Kolomaka's commitment, skill and pride in his work.
His co-workers were sorely missing his presence and he would never be forgotten, Mr Bruce said.
He also said safety practices would be reviewed and improved so that such a tragic accident would never happen again.
A BlueScope spokesman said Mr Kolomaka would be remembered as a totally dependable, unique worker with a can-do attitude.
Family member Ray Brisbane told anecdotes about Mr Kolomaka's big appetite for love, life and food.
Tears flowed freely when Mrs Kolomaka, in traditional Tongan mourning dress, delivered a heartfelt eulogy telling how privileged she was to have a man whose first principles were love and devotion.
After the service a procession travelled to Lakeside Memorial Park at Dapto.
At the park, Mr Kolomaka's coffin was carried through a guard of honour made up of his fellow workmates, which was followed by a Tongan war dance.
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