Mr Chan died on October 10 in hospital after he was found lying on a street with serious injuries on October 4. 

The service opened with a silent reflection while ‘What a Wonderful World’ was played in the background. 

Karen Keddie conducted the welcome and told attendees that their presence reflected on the man that Bill was and the way that he had touched many lives. 

“In sharing the joy and the pain together today may we lessen the pain and remember more clearly the joy that he has brought in to all of your lives,” she said. 

A tribute was read out by Ms Keddie which was written by family friend Mary Choi Ho. 

“It is great sadness that I have to farewell a friend who has been with me for most of my life,” she said. 

“Bill’s life was taken away from us suddenly and it is hard to understand why tragic things like this happen to such good people.

“However this is a question without an answer and we have to focus on all the remarkable things that Bill has done and what a wonderful a person he was.” 

Mrs Choi Ho said Mr Chan was her mentor, a happy, kind natured person who had a great love for fishing and walking. 

Mr Chan’s fishing friends Lloyd Eyles and Garth Denham made contributions for the eulogies. 

Mr Eyles said few of his many friends knew his actual name but it didn’t seem to matter as it was his nature and character which set apart his ‘gentle soul’ from others. 

Mr Denham said that Mr Chan was the only fisherman he knew who could go home with a catch of nice fish after using just a net and a bucket or plastic bag.

The fishermen believed that the fish must have been able to hear Mr Chan call to them. 

Michele Mahoney also made a tribute at the service and said that Mr Chan was her friend who gave her advice on life, exercise and food. 

She said she hoped the community would remember Mr Chan everyday by telling themselves in ‘true Bill form’ that ‘it’s a beautiful day’. 

A Fisherman’s Prayer was read out by Ms Keddie which concluded the service.