The former Australian Test captain died in Bowral on Sunday, November 16 and on Friday, November 28, he was remembered by his loved ones at the celebration of his life.

Described by everyone he knew as an absolute gentleman who was kind, caring and loving, it was clear that Ian had left a mark on all that had the honour of meeting him.

Ian leaves behind his wife Ros, his daughter Alex and his sons Andrew and Jon.

“He was an incredible sportsman and an even better father,” Andrew said.

Jon spoke at the service and said his father was generous and giving of his time and wisdom, joking he was also this way with his finances.

“Growing up it was easy to make the mistake of thinking it was dad’s achievements I needed to emulate to help me feel valuable in the world,” he said.

“Over time it dawned on me that it was the person he was that was most inspiring and that’s what I should strive for – warm, humble and self effacing, yet also a leader.”

Organised by Ian's wife Ros and family, together with the Bradman Foundation, the memorial was led by long-time friend of Ian, Alan Jones AO who said it had been a fortnight of unspoken grief, following the passing of Ian and young cricketer Phillip Hughes.

Vale Ian Craig and Phillip Hughes was displayed on the cricket score board over looking Bradman Oval and the wickets were set up on the cricket pitch in honour of Ian and Phillip. Mr Jones said Phil would have his hand up for open innings and Craig would be the captain.

Mr Jones said Ian occupied a special place in Australian history and spoke of Ian’s long list of accomplishments on and off the pitch.

Ian was Australia’s youngest Test cricketer at 17, Australia’s youngest Test captain at 22 years, the youngest state cricketer at 16 years and the youngest trustee to serve on the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust. He was NSW’s youngest captain on record as a 21-year-old.

“His long list of achievements may never be matched.”

Mr Jones said Ian’s enduring legacy was his dignity and his decency.

“Those of us who enjoyed his friendship are immensely grateful for both.”

Ian’s younger brother Geoff Craig delivered his reflections on behalf of himself and his sister, Helen Huggins.

“When Helen and I said goodbye, he held our hands and he looked us right in the eyes and said “I’ve had a good life.’”

“This crowd here today is testament to the fact that he led an extraordinary life,” Geoff said.

Bradman Museum curator David Wells said Ian was the most gracious, gentlemanly and modest man.

“He loved this place dearly and supported it as chairman and director and when he left the board his support did not stop there – he has donated 142 pieces to the collection here,” Mr Wells said.

“Everyone loved Ian… I will never forget his deep, spontaneous laughter. He was so very polite and he treated everyone with respect. The board, staff, members and volunteers will miss him deeply.”

Guests included family, friends and the broader cricket community, those who played with and against the youngest Australian to score a first class double century.

Ian was the best man at former cricket captain Bobby Simpson’s wedding and the two were very close.

“We were about the same age when he got into the NSW team and when he got the captaincy none of us were surprised,” Bobby said.

“He was always much older than he appeared – he was 35 going on 22, he had such a good way with people.

He said they were never far apart and that Ian was a man of integrity.

“He was a man who would give you everything.”

Former Australian cricketer and close friend Arthur Morris said it was one of the saddest moments in his life with two very difficult deaths to get over.

“Ian was a great friend and a true gentleman. He was an intelligent man and a first class cricketer.”

See photos here