Loved ones, former police colleagues, rugby mates and politicians have gathered to farewell the final victim of the Bondi terror attack to be laid to rest in Sydney.

The funeral for Peter Meagher, one of 15 people killed in the shooting tragedy at the Chanukah celebration on December 14, is taking place at St Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday.

Father Richard Leonard, who led the funeral and knew Mr Meagher personally, described the 64-year-old’s death as “tragic and criminal”.

“Peter’s life was taken suddenly, violently and far too soon. It feels wrong, because it is wrong, and today, the church does not pretend otherwise,” he told those gathered.

“ … it’s unimaginable and unhealthy that we would deny our grief, our anger, our shock, among a myriad of other emotions, but this funeral will also celebrate Peter’s life.”

Mr Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the event when he was gunned down.

“Great numbers” of people turned out to celebrate Mr Meagher’s life, including family, friends, former police colleagues, members of the Rugby community, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Fr Leonard welcomed people of all faiths and walks to life to the service, especially those of the Jewish faith who had come to pay tribute.

“Christians are children of the Jews, and so an attack on the Jews is an attack on all of us,” Fr Leonard said.

“Peter made no distinction about his friends and the circle of his extraordinary influence, and so we hope all of you will join in all parts of this ceremony to which you feel able.”

At the beginning of the ceremony, four symbols that represent Mr Meagher were placed on a table near his casket: a police badge, his Randwick rugby jersey, a camera and a jar of lollies for his “extraordinary sweet tooth”.

Kicking off tributes to the “incredibly moral and honest man” was Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald, who became emotional when recounting stories of Mr Meagher’s 35 years in the force.

Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald described Mr Meagher as a “solid and hardworking detective” and recounted one story about the former officer’s handling of a “troubled” young juvenile offender named Aaron who was addicted to drugs.

“Aaron saw in Peter someone who listened to him, someone who believed him, someone who cared … throughout the court appearances and trials, Aaron would ring Peter from jail on an almost daily basis, and I would hear Peter offer Aaron encouragement and praise on the drug programs that he’d entered into,” he said.

The only time Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald argued with his colleague was when he told Mr Meagher not to attend Aaron’s belated 21st birthday party upon his release from jail

“Peter stuck to his guns and attended the party and only comprised of Aaron’s Nan and his two sisters,” he said.

“I look back now embarrassed how I acted that day and at Peter’s farewell, I apologised to Peter and told his family how proud they should be of the support and care that Peter provided to victims like Aaron.”

He has been remembered as a beloved member of the community and a Randwick rugby stalwart.

The former police officer was the grandson of Wallabies hall of fame member Wally Meagher and served as Randwick’s first grade team manager from 2018.

“’Marzo’, as he was universally known, was a much loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby,” the club said in a statement.

“For much of the last decade, Marzo has been our trusted first grade manager and this news has already hit our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters extremely hard.

“Prior to that he was also a highly respected long term referee who was well known and respected in Sydney rugby circles.

“Our deepest condolences go to his wife Virginia, his brothers Greg, David, Andrew and Paul, their extended families and mountain of friends across Randwick Rugby, NSW Police, Sydney Rugby Referees and our local community.”

Originally published as Final Bondi victim Peter Ronald Meagher laid to rest at Sydney funeral