GREY skies hung over Geelong, rain fell intermittently and an icy cold wind blew in from Corio Bay.

But while the weather was sombre, the funeral of much-loved former Cats player and coach Bobby Davis, who died last week at the age of 82, was anything but.

Bobby's send-off, held at the imposing St Mary of the Angels Basilica in the centre of Geelong, was a celebration of a great life.

The large crowd, which spilled out into the foyer of the church, was a demonstration of Davis' enduring popularity. The diverse backgrounds of those who came to pay their respects was also an illustration of his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Some of the attendees, like Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu (a lifelong Geelong fan), Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, former Cats president Frank Costa and many members of the current Geelong team, were sharply dressed in expensive suits.

Others, however, arrived wearing tracksuits and baseball caps. Just about everyone wore a Geelong footy club scarf.

Unlike many professional sporting organisations, the Cats still have a genuine bond with their local community. It is like the relationship between a country footy club and a small town.

Davis' son Guy delivered the first eulogy on behalf of his mother Margaret and four sisters. He painted a picture of a generous family man, a loving father and husband.

He spoke about his dad's love of cars and acknowledged the legend that Bob once drove from Geelong to Melbourne in 27 minutes.

"He was a mate to all of us here today, in one way or another," Guy said.

"Whether you saw him on the footy field or on television, whether you were lucky enough to meet him for five minutes or whether you were blessed enough to know him all your life, we love you Bob, we will miss you so much, but we are richer in so many ways for having had you in our lives."

Costa spoke about Davis' long career at the Geelong Football Club - he joined the Cats in 1948 - and also of his pride in Victoria's second city.

"The lasting memory for me will be the 2009 premiership when Bobby's up on the dais presenting the cup to Tom Harley but not wanting to let it go," Costa said. "While he wasn't a part of the team at the time, it was his team [and he was] seeing Geelong actually bring home that cup to this city and give us back our pride."

Bobby's ability to bring people together was illustrated by the sight of Mark Thompson and Gary Ablett sitting side by side on a wooden pew towards the back of the church.

The former coach and champion player, who fell out last year then both went through messy departures from the Cats, wore plain ties that bore no allegiance to their new clubs.

The respectful gesture was not missed by the members of the Geelong faithful.

The final eulogy was delivered by Ian Cover, a long-time friend of the Davis clan, who mixed the type of humour he delivers each weekend on ABC radio's Coodabeen Champions with his ability to imitate Bob's unique voice.

"Fair dinkum unbelievable," was heard on numerous occasions.

Cover recalled some of the many funny moments from Davis' television career, during which he became a household name for his work on Channel 7 shows League Teams and World of Sport alongside Lou Richards and Jack Dyer.

Richards, the only surviving member of the triumvirate known as the "Three Wise Monkeys", chuckled as he listened to the stories while sitting in his wheelchair.

Each eulogy was greeted with a round of applause, a gesture commended by the officiating priest, Father Kevin Dillon.

Finally, the coffin, which was free of any football paraphernalia, was carried from the church. A recording of church bells playing the Geelong theme song filled the air.

Many generations of Geelong players, coaches and administrators formed a guard of honour as the hearse began Bob's last journey.

Among those standing and applauding were Fred Flanagan and Russell 'Hooker' Renfrey, who played alongside Davis in the club's 1951 and '52 premierships.

John Sharrock, a member of Geelong's 1963 flag-winning team, also braved the icy conditions to salute his former coach.

Not far from him were Bill Brownless, Barry Stoneham and Ben Graham, who these days is a punter with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.

The hearse then wound its way down La Trobe Terrace, granting Davis one last lap around Kardinia Park.

The Geelong Flyer is gone, but he will not be forgotten.