The 74-year-old, who fought a lengthy battle to demolish a derelict cottage at 94 Merri Street, lost his battle with cancer on Saturday, November 23.

He was laid to rest on Friday after a service attended by hundreds at St Joseph's church in Warrnambool.

Mr Board was remembered as someone who was always inspiring others to achieve their dreams.

He achieved his own dream of playing in the VFL after shining on the field for South Warrnambool in the 1964 premiership, taking to the field for his first game for Carlton at the age of 19.

The rover completed his senior debut on the same day Ron Barassi took over as captain-coach.

Mr Board was father to Terry Junior, Peter and Michael and grandfather to Eliza, Lana and Paddy.

All three grandchildren spoke at the funeral, saying their "gramps" was like a best friend to them all.

"Every time I walked up the stairs he would say 'I think I hear a possum' and then he would say 'hello mate'," Paddy said. "I'm going to miss him so much. He was the best grandpa anyone could ever have."

Mr Board was as successful in business as he was on the footy field.

He originally sold insurance but moved into real estate because he "had no one left to sell insurance to", his mate Gary Walsh said.

Mr Board later went on to establish his own commercial real estate business, which merged with Burgess Rawson.

He loved horse racing from a young age and in recent years began breeding horses.

Mr Board was described as determined, generous and courageous.

His mates joked he also "loved to stir people up".

Emmalee Bell said Mr Board had an infectious energy and enthusiasm for life.

"I'm very certain there will never be another man quite like Terry," she said.

Ms Bell said Terry was an exceptionally proud dad and an "even prouder grandfather".

He loved watching his children and grandchildren play sport and always told them "you just have to have fun".

Mr Board loved to keep fit and even started his own walking group with a group of friends in recent years.

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