While the mood was sombre, the stories were colourful as family and friends celebrated Danny’s life by reflecting back on memorable moments such as the time he hid a blue tongue lizard inside a KFC bucket to scare his mates.

All jokes aside, Danny’s strongest attribute was his role as a loving husband to Cassie and father to children Bradley, Mitch and Kate.

A very strong Cassie, accompanied by her three kids, took to the altar at the start of the service and spoke of the man she has loved so dearly for more than 21 years.

She described Danny as a straight shooter, an honest man and a wonderful husband and father.

Close friend Jack Attenborough struggled to deliver his eulogy on Danny, but after a bit of help from Cassie he was able to paint a colourful picture of Danny’s life growing up in Dubbo after moving here from the United States at the age of seven.

Both he, and close friend and work mate Brett Williams, recalled memorable fishing expeditions and camping trips Danny would take with his mates - making bets, pulling pranks and having fun.

They also spoke of Danny’s love of cricket and the St George Dragons rugby league side.

Danny’s siblings Jennifer Ellis and David Bower made the trip all the way from the United States for the funeral to farewell their brother and celebrate his life with humour, love and compassion.

Close friend Ben Hunt described Danny as an “idol”, a man who had honourable values and who held little regret.

Following the service sons Mitch and Brad led their father’s casket out of the church, into

the hearse that drove through a guard of honour formed by hundreds of people from the service, including former cricket team-mates. Family and friends then moved on to the Dubbo City Council conference room for Danny’s wake where more stories were shared about the man they will never forget.