Tributes to slain police accountant

It was the little things that meant most to Curtis Cheng – switching the TV off at dinner, cherishing his wife’s first gift and being positive at work.

The husband, father and NSW police employee has been remembered as a gentle man who had a quiet passion for serving others, before he was killed by a 15-year-old terrorist outside Parramatta police headquarters.

More than 1500 people farewelled the 58-year-old at a funeral service at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on Saturday morning, more than two weeks after the shooting.

Curtis Cheng’s son Alpha described how his father had worked two jobs in Hong Kong while studying accountancy to give his family, including wife Selina and daughter Zilvia, a chance at life in Australia.

The best way to pay tribute to his dad’s life was to follow his example, Alpha said.

‘‘We need to do the little things for the people around us . . . if we all do that little bit more as dad did in his life, I believe we can live in a more gentle and harmonious world.’’

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione told mourners he couldn’t describe the devastation across the force, where Curtis Cheng had worked as an accountant for 17 years.

‘‘Curtis was one of our own, one of our friends. His circumstances are our circumstances. The pain and disorientation we feel at Curtis’ death is all the more acute as a result.’’

Scipione awarded Curtis Cheng a posthumous commendation for his service to the NSW Police Force.

Curtis Cheng, 58, died after 15-year-old Farhad Jabar shot him as he was leaving work on October 2. Jabar died after he was shot by police. Two men who allegedly helped Jabar carry out the attack were refused bail on Friday.