FORMER deputy prime minister Tim Fischer will be farewelled in Albury next week.
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The father-of-two's memorial has been scheduled for Thursday and expected to be at the entertainment centre.
The details are being organised through the office of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has been in Vietnam.
Mr Fischer's would not be the first state funeral held for a former Country Party member with ties to North East Victoria.
The long-serving member for Benambra Tom Mitchell was accorded the honour at Corryong upon his death in 1984.
A condolence book for Mr Fischer's family will be available for signing at member for Farrer Sussan Ley's Albury office from Monday.
Meanwhile, a Border cancer centre administrator has applauded Mr Fischer and his wife Judy Brewer for their support of the treatment hub.
A board member of the cancer centre trust John Watson said within hours of the 1990s National Party leader's passing more than $200 had been donated.
"We're very grateful to Tim Fischer and Judy Brewer and family that they have recognised the cancer trust and cancer centre and that is still ongoing and that after Tim's death they want to give back to the cancer centre," Mr Watson said.
Then Mr Fischer spoke of his health and said it varied "but thanks to the good work of the Albury cancer centre I have no complaints".
Mr Watson shared the train car with Mr Fischer, discussing among other items freight rail hubs at Ettamogah and Barnawartha North.
The train journey in July proved not to be Mr Fischer's final visit to his hometown.
On Monday last week Tim visited the Boree Creek Hotel, enjoying a steak sandwich at the pub and dropping in on his primary school.
Public school principal Liss Routley said it was a thrill to host Mr Fischer who joined NSW Nationals MP Wes Fang who was announcing funding for a covered outdoor area.
At the hotel, publican of four years Phil Baker said "it was a bit of a sad moment but I shook his hand and wished him Godspeed.
"We used to see him every five to six weeks and he would come and have a steak sanga and a red wine or a soft drink and he was always chirpy," he added.
Mr Fischer, who was also joined by former member for Riverina Kay Hull, then took the fellow Nationals members to his old family property Peppers where they posed for a photo at the entrance.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy paid tribute to Mr Fischer in parliament on Thursday evening, saying he first knew him through growing up at Urangeline East near Boree Creek.
"From my childhood days, I have known of Tim and have always looked up to him as a man of integrity and passion for his community," Mr Clancy said.
He reflected on being part of Mr Fischer's final rail trip to Boree Creek.
"On the day, I spoke about home. I said that home for Tim would always be where Judy, Dominic and Harrison were, but home would always be Boree Creek," Mr Clancy said.
"Tim Fischer was a man of faith and I know, in that sense, yesterday evening he went home to his Lord.
"We are the poorer for his passing."
