Bagpipes played as the casket bearing firefighter Bob Leek was carried on a pumper truck to his funeral service. (CBC)

A Toronto firefighter who died at the scene of a massive propane explosion was remembered Friday as a "modern day knight."

The thousands gathered for district Chief Bob Leek's funeral heard that love of family is what drew him to firefighting.

Jim Leek described his brother as a family man, first and foremost.

"He was a man of integrity and honour ... a modern day knight," his brother told mourners gathered in the Prayer Palace, a cavernous worship centre in the city's northwest end.

"Being a family man is what drew him toward the Toronto Fire Services, the brotherhood that he truly believed in."

Leek also thanked residents of the northwest Toronto neighbourhood for their thoughts and support.

"We were overwhelmed by the number of residents from the disaster area that came by the funeral home to pay their respects. I think that, above all things, would've made Bob happy, to know that the people he chose to serve chose to honour him," he said.

Leek, 55, died Sunday after rushing to the scene of the explosion that displaced thousands.

The cause of death has not been released at the request of his family.

Bagpipes played as the casket was carried on a pumper truck to the service.

The cause of the blast is still under investigation.