The married father-of-three was farewelled at the Yabba Cemetery on Monday following his death in a farming accident on January 4.

Speakers recalled his love of practical jokes and passion for stock work during the ceremony, held within view of a farming property he once owned in the Mitta Valley.

Tim Robinson said his friend and colleague of nearly 14 years had been a mentor and an innovator in the cattle industry.

“He was a highly regarded, professional stock agent in the North East of Victoria,” he said.

“Nick’s knowledge of livestock was second to none.

“There have been many stories and memories we’ve all been having in the last 10 days of this great man.”

Mr Robinson recalled some of the tricks his colleague had played - including convincing him a cattle buyer was illiterate, leading to strange looks as Mr Robinson filled out the English teacher’s paperwork.

“Nick’s life was cut short, but his life was well-lived,” he said.

“Family came first and he was extremely proud of his children’s achievements and the adults that they’ve become.”

Mr McKimmie’s son, Tom, said he’d had a “deep burning ambition to make him proud”.

“I haven’t just lost my dad, I’ve lost my mentor, my hero and my best mate,” he said.

“I’ve still got so many many questions to ask him and things to learn, and there was so much for him to see me do and so many more things to make him proud.

“I will always love you dad.”

The 58-year-old had been a keen fisherman  believing fishing trips were a cure for all problems – and had a love of music and dancing.

Mr McKimmie was also a mentor to young players through the George’s Creek Tennis Club, where he was recently dragged out of retirement for a match.

A neighbour recalled being woken up by the shouts of visitors after discovering chickens in their tents that the father-of-three had snuck in there, and of Mr McKimmie playing air guitar after a few beers.

His wife, Sharon, thanked everyone who had supported the family following his passing.