In the days since Keith Floyd's death, much has been said about his outrageous behaviour, his multiple marriages and his famous consumption of alcohol.

He was a man who didn't just tear up the rule book – he didn't have one to start with.

For most of us, this kind of lifestyle would be regarded as irresponsible. For Keith Floyd, it was the only way to live.

And it probably killed him in the end, but what a life it was.

It is a cliché to say that we only have one life and we have to make the biggest impression we can.

Keith Floyd did that, and some.

Yesterday, 300 people who loved him (including many who had forgiven him various things down the years) gathered to say their final cheerio.

It was a beautiful occasion and no one had a bad word to say about him.

It was said he used to play down his skills as a chef, dismissing his craft as neither art nor science.

In fact, Keith Floyd created something which hadn't been seen before and which is unlikely to be seen again, especially among the current crop of rather serious celebrity chefs.

He was an inspiration, not solely because of his food but because he conveyed such a feeling of the joys of life as he created one exotic concoction after another.

For every person who enjoyed his TV appearances, there is a life enriched.

The tributes yesterday were fulsome, sincere and richly deserved.

Let's raise a final glass to a remarkable human being.