Hundreds of admirers, friends, relatives, officials, artists and ordinary people came to say goodby to composer, guitar player and arranger Anatol Neamtu on January 13, Info-Prim Neo reports. {Everyone knew Anatol Neamtu as a special man, an extraordinary musician and a devoted family man. He never refused anybody anything. He loved life and created a friendly atmosphere around him.} The National Palace was today too small for the hundreds of people who wanted to bid farewell to Anatol Neamtu. The most famous artists of Moldova attended the funeral, regretting that such a great man departed this life so early. “He was a unique musician,” said composer Anatol Chiriac. “The news of his death came as a shock. He was full of life and I thought he will live 100 years. But in Moldova they love the artists more after they die. I think we must praise the people more while they are alive. If Grigore Vieru have had Jeep and a driver, we wouldn't have commemorated him now. The same is true about Mihai Dolgan and many others. Many great people die early and nobody knows what troubles they had,” he said. “Anatol was my friend, my elder brother and my colleague,” said musician Anatol Bivol. “It was easy to work with him as he was a professional. I liked how he played the guitar and often invited him to take part in my concerts. We were the children of “Noroc” band and we stuck together. But each of us had our own way. Many artists of “Noroc” have died: Mihai Dolgan, Anatol Roscovan, now Anatol Neamtu. I think God wants to create a band of the best musicians there, in heaven,” he said. Lidia Botezatu-Dolgan had worked for many years with Anatol Neamtu in “Noroc”. “Mihai Dolgan chose Anatol Neamtu to play the guitar,” said Lidia Botezatu. “Those who finished the school of “Noroc” became great artists, and Anatol wasn't an exception. He was a fantastic man, a good husband, father and grandfather. He was to arrange a song for me, but did not manage to. When “Noroc” was restored, we needed him but God had other plans.” “Anatol was a sociable and sensitive man. We gave many concerts together. He was a real professional,” said Corneliu Botgros. Minister of Culture Boris Focsa was Anatol Neamtu's friend and colleague. “I often asked for his advice when I worked at the theater. We put on plays together. He was a professional and a great man.” Anatol Neamtu died at the age of 54 after he underwent brain surgery. He was buried at the Central Cemetery on Armeneasca Street in Chisinau.