More than 150 people farewelled aboriginal actor and Korean War veteran Steve Dodd on Monday.
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Mr Dodd’s funeral was held on a waterfront reserve at St Georges Basin near the Aloha Caravan Park where he used to live.
The ceremony was conducted by the Salvation Army and included an RSL service and a traditional smoking ceremony as well as many kind words from friends.
Owner of the caravan park, Russell Neville read the eulogy giving those present an insight into Mr Dodd’s younger years from a book passed onto him by one of Mr Dodd’s brothers.
Past president of Huskisson RSL Club Barry Edwards presented the Returned Serviceman’s Tribute.
“To us as servicemen he was more than a mate, he was a fellow Australian serviceman who had operational service in the regular army in Korea,” he said.
“We show our recognition of Steve’s military service by conducting this RSL service and covering his casket in the Australian national flag.
“This is one of the very few occasions that the Australian flag can be used in this way.
“It signifies our nation’s gratitude to Steve,” he said.
Mr Dodd enlisted in the Army in April, 1951 and designated as s rifleman he was sent to Japan before being posted to Korea.
He left the war in March, 1953.
In a rare performance, Reveille and The Last Post were sounded by bugler Peter Williams and didgeridoo player David Little.
Mr Dodd’s life was filled with variety. In his younger years he worked as a stockman and horse breaker.
In 1946 he was given a role in the movie The Overlanders and went on to play parts in more than 50 movies.
For the last 20 years he lived at St Georges Basin surrounded by friends.
Many of his friends shared heart warming stories of their time with Mr Dodd.