Australian Open golfing champion Jack Newton farewelled in Newcastle after death at 72

Jack Newton's family said he would be missed forever as they paid tribute during the service. (Supplied)

Golfing legend Jack Newton has been remembered as a great mate, larrikin and family man at a service in Newcastle.

The 1979 Australian Open winner died of ill health on April 15 at the age of 72.

I still Call Australia Home was played at the opening of his funeral, which was attended by almost 1,500 people at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday.

His wife of almost 48 years, Jackie, reminisced about their "amazing life" together, during which they travelled the world and raised a family.

"As soon as I saw you I knew an adventure was going to start, and oh boy, did it," she said.

"After our first date I realised the cheeky young man was a kind gentleman that had a beautiful soul.

Newton was remembered for his irrepressible humour, cheeky grin and love for his family and friends. (ABC Newcastle: Geoff Overmyer)

At the age of 33 Newton lost his right arm and eye after walking into a plane's spinning propeller while rushing back home to Newcastle after a Sydney Swans game at the SCG.

His son, Clint Newton told the mourners that his dad was his "king of the jungle".

"Put simply, he was my best friend and the dad I needed him to be … loyal, reliable, tough, resilient and loving.

Jack Newton's son Clint, wife Jackie and daughter Kristie Dixon told the service he was a great family man. (Supplied)

'A bloody good mate'

In 1986 Newton established the Jack Newton Junior Foundation, which raised more than $20 million dollars over the years to develop Australia's brightest young golfers.

Sports journalist and commentator Pat Welsh, who headed the service, told the audience the game of golf owed Newton a great debt.

"A golfer with god-given skills, a benefactor, a wonderful raconteur, a commentator with a rare gift and most of all, Jack Newton, a bloody good mate," he said.

Newton competing at the Augusta National in 1979, the same year he won the Australian Open. (Getty Images: Augusta National)

Newton was also well known for his passion for rugby league, in particular the Newcastle Knights.

Former Knights playmaker and Queensland Maroons coach Michael Hagan fought back tears telling the service how much he would miss Newton's sense of humour and cheeky smile.

"One of the greatest honours you can achieve at the Newcastle Knights was to be named players' player, which was the player every other player wanted to play alongside," he said.

"Today's winner is Jack Newton and today we'll be having a beer in your honour this afternoon.