By Phoebe Pin, ABC
Peter Meagher was killed in the Bondi terror attack last month. Photo: ABC / Supplied
A retired detective has been remembered as an "incredibly moral and honest man" at a funeral service three weeks after he was killed in the Bondi terror attack.
Peter Meagher was working as a freelance photographer at the Chanukah by the Sea event on 14 December when he was killed.
His was the last funeral to take place in connection with the attack, with hundreds of mourners attending the service at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those in attendance, after previously stating he would be present at any funeral if invited by the families of the Bondi victims.
For three decades, Meagher worked with the NSW Police Force.
His family said in a statement that Meagher's "kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him".
He was a beloved volunteer with Randwick Rugby, with general manager Mark Harrisson last month describing him as "one of the heart and soul figures" of the club.
Anthony Albanese attends the funeral of Peter Meagher, the last of the Bondi terror attack victims to be farewelled. Photo: ABC
Touching tributes
A warm rumble of laughter could be heard from attendees when a jar of lollies was placed near Meagher's casket in a nod to his sweet tooth.
His police service badge, Randwick Rugby jersey and his camera also adorned the memorial.
Celebrant Father Richard Leonard presided over Meagher's wedding nine years ago, and said it was his "sad honour" to conduct his funeral.
"None of us should be here," he said.
"Peter's life was taken suddenly, violently and far too soon … it feels wrong because it is wrong."
David Meagher told the church Meagher was "the perfect big brother".
"He looked after us and protected us, which in many ways made him the perfect candidate for the police force," he said.
David Meagher said his brother was known for his gentle and calm nature.
Speaking about the shooting attack that killed his brother, David Meagher said gun reform was an important part of keeping the community safe.
"What can you do with six guns that you can't do with four? Gun reform alone will not solve hatred or extremism," he said.
"But an antisemite without a gun is just a hate-filled person, an antisemite with a gun is a killer.
"My brother was a police officer for more than 30 years. He carried a gun every day of his working life and he never drew it once."
Meagher's wife, Virginia Wynne-Markham, said they had matched on an online dating service, remembering she had been "instantly drawn" to his love of rugby.
Theirs was a slow-burning romance, she said, and she received her first ever Valentine's Day flowers from her future husband.
She said many of her friends and former colleagues had been at Archer Park on the day of the attack that killed her husband.
"I said to Peter as he left at 4.15 that Sunday [afternoon] 'give them my love'. And all of our lives are forever changed," she said.
'He believed in justice'
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald worked with Meagher for four years in Maroubra and Malabar.
Meagher received a number of commendations during his 35-year career, including for his work on the investigation into the Lindt Cafe terror attack in Sydney in December 2014.
Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said Meagher's career was one of decency and compassion.
"What happened to Peter at Bondi was immoral, unjust and indecent, and Peter was none of those things," he said.
"Peter was an incredibly moral and honest man, he believed in justice, and he believed in good.
"Most importantly, Peter was inherently decent, caring and compassionate in everything he did, and that is the Peter I wish to remember."
- ABC
