Ian Kiernan, the round-the-world sailor and environmentalist who founded Clean Up Australia, has been remembered as a larrikin and quintessential Australian who inspired millions to care for the environment.
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Kiernan, who was diagnosed with cancer in July, died overnight surrounded by his family - he will be honoured with a state memorial service.
The 78-year-old had fought valiantly and worked to protect his legacy, including by appointing his daughter to the Clean Up Australia board, the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.
"While we will deeply miss Ian's guidance and humour, it was his greatest wish that the work he inspired continues," the statement said.
"Ian Kiernan's greatest legacy is the creation of an informed, concerned, committed and involved community - sharing his passion for the safeguarding of our most precious asset, our environment."
Kiernan founded Clean Up Australia 30 years ago as Clean Up Sydney Harbour after becoming dismayed by the pollution he saw as he sailed the world's seas.
The following year his idea went national before going global in 1993.
He received several honours including a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1991 and Australian of the Year in 1994. In 1995, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Last year, the NSW public voted to name a Sydney ferry after him - his legacy would have been a fixture in the harbour where he started his environmental campaign.
But in a move that stunned the public, NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance made a "captain's call" and opted instead for Ferry McFerryface.
Kiernan told AAP it was a "balls-up".
Clean Up co-founder Kim McKay recalled that irrepressible spirit on Wednesday.
"He had no airs and graces, he was just an average bloke, he'd say," she told ABC News on Wednesday.
"He was far from that I might say, he was a very interesting, larrikin, quintessential Australian."
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced Kiernan's family had accepted her government's offer of a state memorial service.
"The patron of many environmental and sailing groups and the holder of national and international honours, Ian leaves behind a truly noble legacy," she said in a statement on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute in parliament, saying Kiernan's death was a reminder "that being a great Australian is in the grasp of every citizen of this country".
"Ian's approach was always to empower others. When he founded a movement - first to clean up Australia and then to clean up the world - he sought not to attract followers but to produce leaders," Mr Morrison said.
"Whether it was cleaning up beaches, parks and waterways or planting trees or conserving water, Ian's ultimate mobilisation of 30 million people in around 100 countries was never about him. It was about empowering others to take action."
Kiernan is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Sally and Pip, and son Jack who will hold a small family funeral.
They've asked that people donate to the organisation rather than send flowers, and have invited the public to record condolences at www.cleanup.org.au.
Australian Associated Press
