Australian Test legend Rod Marsh was recalled on Thursday during an emotional service.
The wicketkeeping super was promoting a Masters cricket tournament in Bundaberg, Queensland, when he suffered a heart attack about two weeks ago.
He was flown to Adelaide, where he died on 4 March at the age of 74.
A soothing funeral was held Thursday in the Magarey area at the Adelaide Oval, where about 800 people attended to pay their respects.
Cricketing legends including Dennis Lillee, Adam Gilchrist, Bruce Laird and John Inverarity were among those who delivered eulogies.
Australian media personality James Brayshaw hosted the service.
As he sat on the plane on his way to Adelaide, he said, he tried to think of anyone who had cracked as much in 74 years as Marsh, but gave up after 10 minutes.
“Not just a brilliant cricketer, he was an even better teammate,” said Mr Brayshaw.
“We are here to celebrate a life to the fullest.
“He absolutely loved a game of golf … He loved his teammates and red wine, but it was not always in that order.”
Graham Marsh was emotional as he shared his memories of his brother, telling people he remembered playing cricket and golf together when they were kids growing up south of Perth.
“Rod could not get enough. He would throw himself at every ball that came at him,” he said.
Mr Marsh burst into tears as he told a story when he was bitten by a bully and his younger brother came to protect him.
“I learned two valuable lessons that day: I always wanted to be on his team. Second, he would do anything to protect his family.
“He was a passionate golfer … but I always remember my brother for his commitment, loyalty (and) love to his family and friends.
“They say that young brothers often go in the shadow of their older brothers. But baby brother, it was an honor to go in your shadow.
Marsh’s eldest son Paul read some of the hundreds of messages his family received about his father, who was described as “the most beautiful role model” and a “genuine and caring man”.
He made people laugh, saying his father was “Af ** King Legend” and said, “Mom said I could swear.”
“Words could never do justice to how much respect, gratitude and appreciation I have for what Rod did for me and taught me about cricket and about life,” Paul said as he read another message.
“It has been an incredibly hard and emotional week for our family, but the two overwhelming emotions I have are pride and gratitude.
“He was a hard-working, game-hard person and he shared this with all of us as well as the cricketer he trained.
“I am incredibly grateful for the time we had together, the fun we had, the support during the difficult times, the opportunities he gave us and the values and character he imparted to us as people. has. “
Paul said Marsh was a “fantastic” father, grandfather and husband.
“Dad was a hero to many. He is always mine and he will always be. Love you, friend.”
The ceremony concludes with a slideshow of pictures of Marsh with his family, friends and colleagues.
Marsh played as a wicketkeeper for the Australian national team with a test career over 1970-84.
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