More than 450 people packed the Mulqueen Family Chapel on Monday to pay their respects to celebrated Bendigo music identity, historian and naturalist Peter Ellis OAM.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He was described by family and friends as a teacher, mentor, band member, conservationist, philanthropist, historian, author, storyteller and national treasure.
Rob Moors spoke of the work which earned Mr Ellis the Order of Australia Medal in 2012.
"Peter's dedication to the bush and his love for bush music means he will live on through his work and the legacy that he's left us, a legacy that allows others to learn and to benefit from his work and to follow his lead," he said.
Mr Ellis was awarded the OAM for services to the arts through the collection and preservation of Australian folk history and heritage.
He died suddenly last week after a brief illness at the age of 69.