The long-time SBS broadcaster was remembered at a state funeral at Saint Mary's Cathedral in the city this morning.
Les Murray's unique place in the Australian sporting landscape was reflected by an overwhelming turnout for the service.
The Australian and New South Wales flags were flown at half-mast across the state in tribute to Murray, who died on July the 31st at age 71.
Among those attending the service at Sydney's Saint Mary's Cathedral were state premier Gladys Berejiklian, SBS officials and current and former Australian national football players.
Former Socceroos star John Aloisi, current star Tim Cahill and long-time Matildas player Julie Murray joined with family members to act as pallbearers.
Les Murray's daughter, Natalie Murray, says her father's advice to her was to both enjoy life and accept it as it came.
"He believed in refuge and compassion. Dad taught me that football is always played with the feet and the ball is always round, those were non-negotiable facts. One of his lessons that's never been more important than right now is to accept the things we cannot change. In his own words, he was a fighter, but he was also a great accepter. And the lesson that was obvious to everyone who knew him was to enjoy life. For him, that was getting out into the sunshine, having a long lunch on a beautiful piazza, watching the magnificent multicultural world go by."
Born in Hungary as Laszlo Urge, Murray was a refugee who escaped Communist-era Hungary, emigrating to Australia with his family as a child.
He began his career at SBS in 1980 as a Hungarian subtitler before moving into covering football and, indeed, becoming widely known as Mr Football.
Years later, he added an advocacy of refugees and multiculturalism to his love of what he called the World Game, a game he believed could help bring people together.
SBS director of sports Ken Shipp says Les Murray was both a colleague and a mentor to many at SBS, where he ended up spending much of his career.
"As a refugee himself, he genuinely embodied and respected what SBS represents. He was passionate about our mission and our role in helping people understand each other better. And he saw the huge value that sport, particularly football, could be as a vehicle for breaking down barriers and uniting people. His colleagues at SBS were like his extended family. He mentored so many throughout his career, including myself."
SBS sporting commentator and former Australian football player Craig Foster says Murray did much to make football a mainstream sport in Australia.
"Speaking with his famously perfect pronunciations and dressed impeccably, his pride in the game and its community, in you, in us, was palpable. I can still hear him so clearly now. 'This is not a job, it's a mission,' he would say, 'to make Australia see.'"
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull credited Les Murray last week with turning the hearts of Australians to football.
But to his brother Andrew Urge, he was simply Laci, sharing a lifelong bond that continued until the last days of Les Murray's life.
"My fondest memories of Les -- Laci, as we've known him -- was his absolute loyalty and love for his family. He has shown that vividly when he comes to our regular brothers dinner every Wednesday at my home. He loved it when I cooked chicken paprikash for him, because it was his favourite dish."
Many guests at the service wore white, as requested by Les Murray's family, in honour of a "multicultural world."
He is survived by his partner Maria and daughters Tania and Natalie.
