'Dad you are our fearless leader': Former NSW Premier John Fahey farewelled in state funeral at St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney

The Honourable John Fahey AC, former NSW premier, is being remembered today as a loving father, grandfather, and man who "strove to improve the lives of all Australians".

Mr Fahey died on September 12 aged 75, after a battle with leukaemia.

Today he is being farewelled in a state funeral at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral where present and former leaders including NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, John Howard, Malcolm Turnbull and Bob Carr are in attendance.

Mr Fahey's beloved wife Colleen is in the front row with the couple's grandchildren Amber and Campbell, who they raised after their daughter Tiffany died in a car crash.

Their other daughter, Melanie Fahey-Cicala, who currently lives in America, delivered a touching video message, promising to get home to her mother "as soon as possible".

"Dad you are our fearless leader, light bulb changer, huntsman spider killer, the wind in our sails, commander-in-chief and compass in all things especially our faith in God," she said.

"You provided us with safety, strength, empowered me as a woman and as your children to fight hard for what we believe in."

A letter from Prince Charles was read by Margaret Beazley, the governor of NSW.

"It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of the Honourable John Fahey, and I can only offer my heartfelt condolences to all those mourning his loss," the letter read.

"John's service to NSW and Australia was as rich and varied as it was distinguished and his integrity of strength and character was, I know, greatly admired across the political divide."

Charles also recalled Mr Fahey's heroicism in "coming to my assistance as he so valiantly did on that Darling Harbour stage on Australia Day in 1994".

A man fired two blank rounds from a starting gun at Charles, and Mr Fahey was one of the men who tackled the man, David Kang, as he rushed the stage.

Mr Fahey was also instrumental in securing the bid for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and died just a week before the 20th anniversary of the hugely successful event.

Former NSW Premier Nick Greiner described him as a "people's premier" and "quite truly a man for others".

"John, I suspect would not like to be remembered not for the highlights, of the Olympics, or Prince Charles, but simply for his service to people."