Tributes have flowed for Major General Michael Jeffery, former governor-general and governor of Western Australia, who has been remembered as a "fine leader" and "devoted servant" following his death aged 83.
Major General Jeffery was appointed as WA's 27th governor in 1993 and held the post until 2000, becoming Australia's 24th governor-general in 2003 for a five-year period.
He died at home on Friday morning, days after his 83rd birthday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Major General Jeffery was a remarkable man and one of Australia's finest leaders.
"Major General Jeffery will be remembered as a brave soldier, a dedicated governor and governor-general, and a passionate defender of the causes he believed in," Mr Morrison said in a statement.
"He was a remarkable man who I am proud to call a friend."
Environmental advocacy followed military career
Born in Wiluna, in regional WA, Major General Jeffery served as a soldier in Malaya, Papua New Guinea, Borneo and Vietnam, where he was awarded the Military Cross.
He became commanding officer of the Special Air Service Regiment, Major General and finally Assistant Chief of the General Staff Materiel.
In retirement, as Australia's first National Soils Advocate, he was an ardent proponent of conserving and improving the land.
Mr Morrison said Major General Jeffery left an impressive legacy and would be remembered for his many achievements "and as a man of faith, integrity, decency and warmth".
"On behalf of the Australian people, I express my deep gratitude for one of Australia's finest leaders and most devoted servants," he said.
Major General Jeffery's personal assistant Wendy Button said he passed away peacefully at home.
