HUNDREDS of people attended the funeral of Gawler icon and war veteran Sid Ey (pictured top right) last Thursday, after he passed away aged 103-years-old on September 25.

Mourners gathered at the Taylor and Forgie funeral chapel on Adelaide Road, Gawler South, to pay tribute to one of Gawler’s most well-known and respected personalities.

Gawler RSL president Paul Little, speaking to The Bunyip early last week, paid tribute to the state’s oldest veteran.

He said Mr Ey – who served in the Second World War and was one of the last remaining ‘Rats of Tobruk’ – was a much-loved member of the local branch.

“All the members of the Gawler RSL are going to greatly miss such an icon, and a great stalwart for our club over so many years,” Mr Little said.

“Sid was always a great club person, he always tried to be involved in our meals during the day, he came to most of our social events.

“He went to our 100-year dinner last year, he was quite chuffed he had a photo with the Governor, and we’ve got that in pride of place in the club.

“He was quite the celebrity in the last 12 months, which he didn’t really like, but he sometimes, I think, got the feeling it was nice to be appreciated.”

Member for Light Tony Piccolo also paid tribute to Mr Ey in state parliament, saying he had “an incredible life”.

“One thing I will miss are the Anzac Day services and Remembrance Day services that Sid attended,” he said.

“For the last 19 or 20 years since I have been attending Anzac Day services and Remembrance Day services, Sid was always there.

“He will be sadly missed, but he had a life of service and respect.”