THE life of a man who lived for smiles and laughter will be remembered.

On Saturday, Australia's best-known clown doctor and Bowral general practitioner Dr Peter Spitzer, was farewelled as he lost his battle with cancer.

Dr Spitzer was fondly known as Dr Fruit-Loop and was the co-founder and medical director of The Humour Foundation. The beloved doctor and friend became Australia's first clown doctor when he established The Humour Foundation in 1997. The charity is dedicated to promoting the health benefits of humour to those who need it most.

Dr Spitzer was often found wandering hospital corridors around the country dressed in a funny hat and carrying a big bag of magic tricks, determined to make sick children smile. Since establishing The Humour Foundation, Dr Spitzer and clown doctors around Australia have brought smiles and laughter to more than 150,000 sick children and their families around Australia every year, when they have needed it most.

Laughter and smiles were also brought to the elderly, with Dr Spitzer's establishment of the Elder Clowns program which helps those living with dementia celebrate life.

Most importantly, the local clown doctor educated everyone about the importance of humour and laughter to health and in life. He was a true master of the motto, "laughter is the best medicine."

If you would like to send any messages of condolence or celebration of Dr Spitzer's life, a memorial page has been set up at here.