A guard of honour largely made up of Roos' players, supporters and committee members and Wimmera football representatives flanked Pynsent Street in tribute as Mr Saxton's coffin passed.

They stood silently in light rain in memory of a man who gave much to both the club and the town.

Mr Saxton served as Dimboola Football Club president from 2001 to 2008, but also volunteered at Dimboola Primary School and Dimboola Memorial Secondary College.

Dimboola Football Club president Rob McKenzie remembered him for his position as a `force' in the Wimmera Football League, who would be remembered for his insightful recruitment of high-quality players outside the region.

Many of those players were in evidence as the congregation packed St Andrew's Uniting Church in Horsham on Friday afternoon for his funeral.

Parked outside the church, Mr Saxton's ute also stood tribute with his dog Tia inside, on constant vigil.

Daughter Kate Saxton pointed him out to family as he watched his master leave the church.

Wife Jo guided the couple's four children, Mark, Kate, Anna and Alex through the service with strength.

Horsham police closed Pynsent Street for the guard of honour.

Coffin bearers bore Mr Saxton's coffin out of the church to the sound of Amazing Grace.

After the funeral and guard of honour, family and friends lingered outside the church to remember a beloved community man before returning to Dimboola for the wake.

Mr Saxton, 55, lost his battle with cancer last Monday after being diagnosed in May.

He leaves behind wife Jo and his four children Mark, Kate, Anna and Alex.

• John Saxton tribute - see page 12.