Loafers Lodge fire: Wellingtonians farewell Mike the Juggler

It was a sad and reflective day on Friday for a man who never lost his smile.

People gathered last week at a funeral home in Newtown to mourn Mike Wahrlich,who died in the blaze at Loafers Lodge.

He was often seen juggling tennis balls in the CBD, notably by Westpac bank on Lambton Quay, and was nicknamed 'Mike the Juggler' by Wellingtonians.

Tennis balls were placed on his casket, alongside flowers, as people spoke of their memories of him.

Some also sung songs to farewell the man who was remembered as Wellington's entertainer.

His funeral was attended by the Mayor, a Police officer, a building inspector, a Black Power member, other street performers, locals, and his family.

Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell attended the funeral and compiled audio from the day.

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