John Fahey is being remembered for his exuberant leap of joy when Australia was awarded the Sydney Olympics, as tributes flow for the former NSW premier and federal politician.
News broke on Saturday of Mr Fahey's recent death. He was aged 75.
Born in New Zealand, Mr Fahey dedicated almost two decades of his life to public service, leading NSW as premier from 1992 to 1995.
He was elected as state member for Camden in 1984, but after his term as premier, made the switch to federal politics.
Mr Fahey went on to serve as a minister in the Howard government, before retiring from politics in 2001.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to Mr Fahey's "hard head, soft heart" approach to governing.
The prime minister said Mr Fahey, a Catholic and a southwestern Sydney rugby league player, wasn't a "typical Liberal".
"He broadened our outlook and connected us with an ever widening aspirational population," Mr Morrison said in a statement.
"He was notoriously slow at working a room but that reflected the deep connections John formed with so many he met. John Fahey gave everyone his undivided attention."
"His cheery and cheeky smile was what always left his impression on you, long after the topic or issue had passed."
Former NSW Premier John Fahey and wife Colleen arrive at the NSW Liberal Campaign Launch in 2019. Source: AAP
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said his time in politics left a lasting legacy.
"Personally, I am grateful for John's support and encouragement," she said in a statement.
"He has always been a wonderful role model to generations of Liberals. His contribution to the state and nation will leave a lasting legacy."
Mr Fahey played an instrumental role in the Sydney bid for the 2000 Olympics.
President of the Australian Olympic Committee John Coates said the country owed Mr Fahey an enormous debt of gratitude.
He said few Australian will forget Mr Fahey's enthusiastic jump for joy as Sydney was announced the host of the games.
"It was amazing. It showed all the pent up anxiety we all had, and it just all came out. He was so very proud of being the leader of that bid," he told reporters on Saturday.
He is also remembered for helping thwart an attack on Prince Charles in 1994, tackling a student who fired a blank starting pistol at the monarch.
Many paid tribute to his life and legacy on social media on Saturday, with former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull thanking him for his service to Australia and NSW.
"He was a true liberal and one of the first senior Liberals to support an Australian republic," Mr Turnbull tweeted.
Former federal treasurer Joe Hockey said his passing left "a hole in the hearts of our state and our nation"
"He was decent, loyal, honest and patriotic," Mr Hockey said on Twitter. "A man of great faith and a loving family man.
"He embodied the best of Australia."
Former Prime Minister John Howard said Mr Fahey was a "close and valued colleague".
John Fahey during Question Time in 2001. Source: DIG
"John Fahey gave so much to public life," he said in a statement.
Mr Fahey's composure through his lung cancer struggle and his devotion, along with his wife, to caring for their late daughter's children "cemented the affection and admiration of their many friends".
Arthur Sinodinos, former Liberal politician and now Australia's ambassador to the United States, remembered him as a dedicated husband and father.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said Mr Fahey treated everyone with respect, even those on the opposite side of politics.
"I don't think he had an enemy in the national parliament, and that says a lot about his character," he said.
After retiring from politics, Mr Fahey served as President of the World Anti-Doping Agency from 2007 to 2013.
He was made a companion of the Order of Australia in 2002.
Mr Fahey is survived by wife Colleen, two of his children and grandchildren. His youngest daughter died in a car crash on Boxing Day 2006.
A state memorial service has been offered to Mr Fahey's family.
