Radio titan John Laws farewelled at state funeral at Sydney cathedral

John Laws, affectionately known as Australia's 'golden tonsils', has been honoured with a state funeral in Sydney's CBD.

Kindness was at the heart of the service, a nod to the way Laws signed off all his broadcasts — "you be kind to each other".

Many famous faces were spotted among the hundreds of mourners who poured into St Andrew's Cathedral at Town Hall to publicly farewell Laws following his death on November 9, aged 90.

Family, friends, colleagues, politicians and admirers alike gathered to celebrate his life and commemorate his 71-year contribution to Australian broadcasting as a towering figure in talkback.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, former prime minister John Howard, actor Russel Crowe, broadcaster Ben Fordham, television presenter Richard Wilkins and politician Barnaby Joyce were among the familiar faces paying their respects.

Born on August 8, 1935, Richard John Sinclair Laws landed his first job in radio at 3BO in Bendigo in 1953 after a short stint as a teenage jackaroo in western NSW.

After transitioning to talkback radio during the 60s, Laws would go on to make multiple major moves as part of a radio bidding war, shifting between Sydney stations 2UE, 2UW and 2GB.

He spent the majority of his tenure with 2UE and 2SM, before retiring in November last year, almost a year to the day before his death.

'He entertained, he challenged, he inspired'

This first eulogy was delivered by Laws's close friend of 55 years, Paul Warren.

Mr Warren's father, Peter, was also a dear friend of Laws, and the younger Warren spoke fondly about the many decades of history their families shared.

"John was not just an extraordinary broadcaster, he could do just about anything," Mr Warren said.

"John was a man who shaped public opinion and political thought.

"To so many people, he was Lawsie, the man behind the golden microphone, and to those who knew him well, he was just John, a man who lived life. Completely on his own terms.

"He entertained, he challenged, he inspired, and he left a mark that will never fade."

Mr Warren signed off in typical Laws fashion.

"He always ended his show with: 'You be kind to each other', so I feel it's right to finish with the same message today," he said.

"John, thank you for being kind to us, your family, your friends and all the people whose lives you touched."

Russell Crowe pays tribute to Laws's kindness

The second eulogy was given by actor Russel Crowe, who said Laws asked him many years ago to speak at his funeral.

"I said yes, and then he just kept on living," Crowe said.

"Year after year after year, I mean he lived so long that I thought at one point I might have lost the gig, however, here we are."

Crowe also spoke about the towering broadcast figure's mantra — "be kind to each other".

"One of the things I learned over time, kindness is wisdom," Crowe said.

"Kindness is strength. Acts of kindness are proof of intelligence. John Laws, my neighbour, my mischievous mate, my good friend, was a very kind man."

Country music and folk singer John Williamson performed a rendition of his classic True Blue.

"I promised him [Laws] this, and it's a great honour," Williamson said.

Mourners share fond memories

Justin Piper, son of Warren Piper, who was Laws's chauffeur, spoke emotionally following the service. 

The Pipers had known Laws since the 1980s and Justin tearfully recalled Laws helping his parents buy a house. 

"We're gonna miss him," he said. 

"He was a champion guy, he was a lot different than he was off air, he was a larrikin, a mischievous friend." 

Doug Williams said he used to do odd jobs for Laws over the years, including furniture delivery. 

"I thought I'd come today because I had fond memories," he said. 

"He was an absolute gentleman." 

Raymond Pleasant said he worked for a newsagency in the early 70s which supplied news to 2UE. 

"He felt he was part of everyday people," he said. 

"He empathised."