They overflowed from the goods shed, filled a large marquee and many more were left to stand outdoors, too.

Cr Wilson died last Thursday from Motor Neurone Disease, just seven months after his diagnosis.

At the service, Blayney Shire Council general manager Andrew Roach, Cr Wilson’s sons Mark and Rex, as well as his widow, Betty, spoke.

Son Rex recalled that his father had “dragged” him and his brother along to help the community over the years.

“He had a very strong work ethic. As much as he loved to sleep in, he was there in his office regularly at 4am to go through his files and paper work saying it was the best time for this as he wouldn’t be disturbed,” Rex said.

“I will miss his terry towel hats, his faded tattooed arms and his cracked fingers.”

Mark Wilson said: “Dad was a doer for the community and for our family.”

His widow, Betty, said in his last days Ted was “unable to talk, eat, smile or squeeze my hand”.

She made a public plea for a rethink of laws relating to access for people with disabilities.

“Motor Neurone Disease took away his independence and dignity,” she said.

“Ever try to sip a scotch through a straw or be showered by strangers?

“Ted flung down the gauntlet for more research into the disease and better facilities for sufferers.”

Mrs Wilson said each year 150 people are diagnosed with the disease, and each year another 150 people die from it.

She told the gathering that Cr Wilson had donated his brain and spinal cord to research into MMD and multiple sclerosis.

At the end of the service, Cr Wilson’s casket exited from the goods shed to the sound of Amazing Grace on bagpipes played by Blayney Shire Council’s general manager, Andrew Roach.

Cr Wilson left behind a wife, Betty, sons Mark and Rex, daughter-in-laws Dorraine and Lucy, and four grandchildren.