The innocent neighbour gunned down in a deadly shootout on Queensland's Western Downs last week has been remembered by his family as a much-loved "hero" who was about to enjoy his new life with his grandchildren.
Alan Dare's wife of 26 years, Kerry Dare, said her husband enjoyed a wonderful life.
"We've all lost a hero that could have done a lot more," Mrs Dare said.
"He was just ready to start enjoying these grandchildren and his new house and our new life.
"He built our house with his own hands and was ready to tell people, 'Come look, see what I've done.'
"I'm not sad about his life, he had a f***ing wonderful life."
It comes as the Queensland Police Service (QPS) announced the 58-year-old will receive a posthumous medal for bravery.
Mrs Dare said Alan would have dedicated the bravery medal he is set to receive to his father who served in the Vietnam War.
Mr Dare's stepson, Corey Richards, said Mr Dare would be remembered for being "a quiet achiever".
"He never made a fuss," Mr Richards said.
"He was brilliant, that's why so many people loved him."
Mr Richards said his father would have loved to see the classic cars.
"I've been told it's probably going to be the biggest showing of classic Fords in Ipswich for the last 20-something years. So if he can pull another record off, then I'm happy," he said.
"It's going to be one hell of a day."
In a statement, a QPS spokesperson said Commissioner Katarina Carroll will award the Queensland Police Bravery Medal to Mr Dare's family at an event on January 18.
"This reflects the high regard for Mr Dare's actions on the fateful day and public acknowledgement of his sacrifice," they said.
"The Queensland Police Bravery Medal acknowledges the outstanding efforts of officers who demonstrate exemplary commitment and dedication to their duties and who go above and beyond to protect and serve the community of Queensland.
"The medal can also be awarded to civilians who were involved in an incident and performed a similar brave act to a member of the QPS.
"This is the highest level Queensland Police Service Medal a civilian may receive."
A motorcade of Fords convoy before funeral
Mr Dare was shot dead after going to investigate a fire at a property neighbouring his in Wieambilla, where Nathaniel Train, Gareth Train and his wife Stacey Train had ambushed four police officers, killing constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold.
The 58-year-old is being honoured at a private funeral in Wacol, south west of Brisbane today.
Loved ones who spoke at his funeral remembered Mr Dare, many of whom knew him as "Rambo", as a man who loved his family, mates and cars — especially Fords.
Speaking at the funeral, Mr Richards paid tribute to his dad's selfless spirit.
"I don't know how to even describe a man that will take on two children as his own and just give them everything and not expect anything in return."
Funeral celebrant Gaylene Salomon read out a moving statement from Mr Dare's daughter, Renee, who described her father as a "giant".
"A big man that did the little things – the things that really matter," the statement said.
"Steady as a rock, he was always there."
Mr Dare's daughter said men like him "don't show off, they show up".
The celebrant described them as "poignant words".
"Because the very act of Alan showing up is one that now draws us into this important ritual of saying goodbye," she said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the state government would contribute to the costs of the service.
Prior to the funeral, a motorcade of classic Ford cars convoyed from Ipswich to Wacol behind Mr Dare's hearse.
Mr Dare was a car enthusiast. Police attended the service and formed a police escort for the convoy.
In his memory, Ford enthusiasts from across southern Queensland came forward to participate in a large classic car procession before Mr Dare's funeral.
Up to 50 Ford car owners were expected to take part in a guard of honour at the start of the service from 2:30pm at Griffith Road.
'He's a hero'
Members of the public lined the procession route ahead of the funeral, some holding flags and signs displaying "Our Hero: Alan Dare".
Among them was the Springall family, who said they wanted "to show support, especially so close to Christmas".
Another person, Annette Kilby, said she did not know Mr Dare but was moved by the tragedy and wanted to pay tribute.
"He's a hero," she said.
Community in shock
Lee Dallmann, pastor at Country Hope Church in Chinchilla, said the mental health of the community would be a focus moving forward.
"I've talked to a lot of people this week, and it's the shock that we had evil in our midst," he said.
"We've had tragedy. But to have evil has been something new that we have to deal with."
"How do we deal with that as a community moving forward? We'll have to figure that out."
More than 8,000 people attended a memorial service to pay tribute to fallen constables McCrow and Arnold at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Wednesday.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll awarded the pair posthumous medals, including the Queensland Police Valour Medal — the highest bravery award the Commission of the Queensland Police Service can award.
Ms Palaszczuk announced yesterday that the state government would contribute $100,000 to the Queensland Police Union Remembrance Fund for the murdered officers.
