The well known and liked Maitland sporting identity, who died from a heart attack last week, was remembered for his story telling ability and jovial nature at his funeral service at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Maitland.

“He had an endless amount of stories and jokes for almost every occasion,” Mullard’s sister Glenda said during her touching eulogy.

Mullard, 60, was involved as a player, coach and administrator with junior rugby league and cricket around the Maitland region.

More recently Mullard, who was a life member of the Maitland and District Junior Cricket Association, was linked with City United as a curator, umpire and canteen operator at Robins Oval.

Mullard’s son Andrew and son-in-law Paul Brownlee play first grade for the central Maitland club while Mullard’s grandson Liam played his first match on Robins Oval on Saturday when he donned the whites for City’s under-10s team.

Brownlee said Mullard’s free spirit endeared him to people and his colourful character would live on in all who knew him.

“My first memory of Northern was a larger than life character,” Brownlee said in his eulogy yesterday.

“And he had an impact on all those he met during his 60 years.

“He was a loving dad and a loving grand dad.

“Maitland will miss him.”

The final song played at the service was Simply the Best by Tina Turner, while the quote underneath Mullard’s photo on the front of the mass booklet simply stated “legend”.

Mullard, who grew up in Telarah, was the middle of seven children to Fred (dec) and Mary Mullard.

His wife Anne died suddenly aged 41 in 1991.

Mullard is survived by his children Andrew and Kristy and grandchildren Liam and Imogen.