In The Pipeline:

Finally, The Rev’s dad, Joe Sullivan, spoke about his son, honoring him with an eloquent speech on how much he learned from his boy — and how it will affect his life going forward. There was pain in the room, but it was trumped by joy and love generated by The Rev, whom many felt comfortable, justifiably, in calling their best friend.

The funeral the next day was an equally dramatic, beautiful event. In addition to the hundreds of family and friends gathered (including Jimmy’s fiancée, Leana), there were several bands in attendance, including members of Buckcherry and My Chemical Romance. Flowers, cymbals and drum heads signed by legendary bands were delivered — representing the love and respect among the band’s brethren.

Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Brian Haner, a.k.a. Synyster Gates, delivered a soaring eulogy with focus and class. You look at him and the other young men in the band, M. Shadows, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Christ, and wonder what they must be feeling — but in their eyes, you see the pain of their loss.

I will tell you here that besides their music, what I love about Avenged Sevenfold is that they choose to remain part of Huntington Beach. They could easily have left after hitting it big, but they didn’t. They bought homes here, they’re known around town, they hire their buddies as crew; they’re good guys. Rock stars? Whatever. They’re hard-working, successful young men who got where they are because they’re very good at what they do, and the city is better for having them here.

Back to the Sullivan family. As they clung together at the church and at the cemetery, surrounded by hundreds of mourners, it reminded one that the son they gave the world affected many lives — young lives. As I struggled trying to write this column, an e-mail arrived.

It was from a young woman in Omaha, Neb., Rachel Lee. She’s a 22-year-old librarian who loves Avenged Sevenfold.