As flags flew at half mast across his beloved state, Barry Pullen was remembered as a true servant to Victoria.
The former Victorian Labor minister was farewelled at a state funeral on Tuesday at the Fitzroy Town Hall - a nod to his strong ties to and deep love for the inner Melbourne suburb.
Described by his three daughters as a "shining star - always there and always constant", he was remembered for his kindness and decency.
"He loved being around people,... working with people on a common purpose was his greatest joy," daughter Joanna said, with sisters Naomi and Emma beside her.
Master of ceremonies Mark Madden, Mr Pullen's former media adviser, said his greatest love was his family.
"He was a true servant of the people of Victoria for all, if not most of his adult life," Mr Madden said.
"He was a person of impact, he made a difference."
Mr Pullen's affinity with people carried through his tireless advocacy for the underprivileged, ensuring that their voices were heard and their needs addressed.
His journey into politics began when he became the founding member of the Fitzroy Residents Association and Fitzroy city councillor 1972-1976.
He was very active in campaigning against the high rise Housing Commission of Victoria flats being built in the 1950s and 1960s.
His Fitzroy home soon became a hive of activity as a meeting place to discuss all things community-related.
He joined the Labor Party in 1968.
Mr Pullen spent more than two decades in the public sector before being elected to the Parliament of Victoria in 1982.
He served in multiple ministerial portfolios throughout his career, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service and the betterment of Victorian communities.
He retired from parliament in 1999, but he and late wife Margaret remained active in the local community and the Australian Labor Party.
He died on June 27 at the age of 84.
On Tuesday, Premier Jacinta Allan read Bush Night Song, a poem chosen in honour of Mr Pullen's love of bushwalking.
"Slumber till the night is done, dream of goals that shall be won," Ms Allan read.
"With the rising of the sun, sleep, sleep, Oh! sleep!"
