John Fahey's alma mater Chevalier College in his beloved hometown of Bowral will hold a memorial service to honour him, but it may not be for some time because of coronavirus restrictions.
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The former NSW premier and federal finance minister is also expected to have a state funeral at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral, but no date has yet been announced.
However, it is in the NSW Southern Highlands town of Bowral, home to he and wife Colleen for 32 years, where family, friends, classmates and colleagues will gather to say goodbye when COVID-19 restrictions allow for "a fitting memorial service".
Mr Fahey, who died on Saturday aged 75 after a battle with leukemia, was a bursary student and a boarder at Chevalier College for five years, sent his three children there and is considered one of its most outstanding alumni.
"By the time he left Chev as part of the Class of 1962 he was a prefect, captain of the First XI cricket, member of the 1962 First XV rugby (probably the greatest of our teams in the college history), a cadet leader and a leader in the Young Catholic Society," a statement from the college said.
"The outstanding career of public service that John devoted to his region, state, country and indeed to the world, is testimony to that award. Chevalier College will remember John in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days and will work with his family, friends, classmates and colleagues to find a suitable occasion in the future to bring the community together for a fitting memorial service."
Mr Fahey was one of Australia's most prominent Catholics and Chancellor of the Australian Catholic University.
It's understood the memorial could be as far away as next year when larger gatherings are allowed and Mr Fahey's daughter, Melanie, who lives in New York, can attend.
Australian Associated Press
