Oscar-winner Anthony Minghella remembered at thanksgiving service

The 54-year-old died on March 18 after suffering a fatal haemorrhage at Charring Cross Hospital in west London after undergoing an operation on a growth in his neck.

Among the mourners at today's ceremony were the actors Jude Law and Alan Rickman. The service was organised by his family and the Isle of Wight Council.

Minghella was born and brought up in Ryde where his parents Edward and Gloria Minghella still live and run an ice cream business.

The director of The English Patient, Cold Mountain and Truly, Madly, Deeply was made the first and now Freeman of the Isle of Wight in 1997.

Also in attendance was television gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh who was recently made the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight and was attending as part of his ceremonial duties.

The service began with a rendition of Sonata for Viola Gamba and Keyboard by JS Bach. The order of service says: ''Anthony loved Bach. His music played a significant role in much of his work. The two pieces played at the beginning and end of this service feature in Truly Madly Deeply, and Anthony's first film as director.''

The service ended with Suite for Unaccompanied Cello Number One in G Major.

Jude Law read the poem When Death Comes by Mary Oliver. The order of service says: ''This was one of Anthony's favourite poems, read by Jude, one of Anthony's favourite people.''

Minghella's sister Gioia then read Katharine's last words from The English Patient.

Alan Rickman then read from Hang Up, a short radio play by Minghella which won the 1998 Prix Italia. Rickman is described as: ''A dear friend and colleague of Anthony's for 20 years.''

Other music used in the service included Lullaby for Cain which was written by film music composer Gabriel Yared, with lyrics by Minghella for The Talented Mr Ripley. Minghella's sister Edana Minghella read the poem So Many Different Lengths of Time by Brian Patten.

The order of service says: ''This poem is described as one of the most comforting answers to death. Brian Patten who wrote it in homage to Pablo Neruda, a poet Anthony loved very much.''

In a statement, the Minghella family said: ''We will miss Anthony more than we can say. Of course he was a brilliant director and writer, acclaimed worldwide for his amazing talents.

''But more than that he was a wonderful son, husband, father, brother and uncle, who loved and was loved by all who knew him.

''His genius and his gift of gentle human kindness live on in his work and in the hearts of those he has so tragically left behind.

''He never forgot his island roots and was honoured to be made the first Freeman of the Isle of Wight.''

Minghella's parents Edward and Gloria were accompanied by the Reverend Cannon Dr Stephen Palmer, vicar of the Minster Church of St Thomas when they arrived at the church.

Minghella's brother Dominic said that his brother was as happy surrounded by people as he was alone on a deserted beach and he never forgot his roots of his home town on the Isle of Wight.

He said he was a workaholic who had a great love for poetry, photography, music and Portsmouth Football Club.

Describing him he said: ''He was great, he was a genius but he was also a person, human, flawed, gorgeous and infuriating.

''His presence blessed you and his absence bruised you.''

He said that his brother's death had been a shock for all who knew him.

He said: ''We were all expecting another reel in his story or knowing Anthony several more reels - we can only imagine how those extra chapters would have gone.''

He finished his tribute by quoting from the film Truly, Madly Deeply. He said: ''I would like to list a few ways in which Anthony is still with us: Really, truly, madly, deeply, passionately, remarkably, to name but a few.''

Dominic's son Dante also read a poem he had written about his uncle titled: ''My Superman''.

The family asked for charitable donations to be made to Cancer Research UK and The Number One, a charity dedicated to helping the women and children of Botswana.