One of Winnipeg's biggest names in the funeral industry was laid to rest Saturday.

Friends and family packed the Victoria Inn to bid their final farewell to Neil Bardal.

He passed away last Saturday from cancer at the age of 69.

He owned the Bardal Funeral Home on Notre Dame Avenue.

Bardal was also an active member in the community.

He served as the former honorary consul general of Iceland and director of the Canada Iceland Foundation.

In 2006, Bardal received the Order of Manitoba for his work with the Icelandic community.

Former Lieutenant Governor John Harvard attended the service. He and Bardal were long-time friends.

"When Neil set his mind to do something it happened," says Harvard. "People realized that he never looked for rewards. He was a people man. He did it for the community. He did it for the country."

Neil leaves behind his wife Annette, sons Eirik and Jon as well as numerous grandchildren.