'Extraordinary career': Hundreds farewell veteran MP at state funeral

A state funeral for Bill Grayden has been held at St George’s Cathedral in recognition of his lifetime of service. (ABC News: Jasmine Hughes)

Hundreds of mourners, including family, veterans and dignitaries, have attended the state funeral for Bill Grayden, WA's longest-serving MP.

Premier Roger Cook remembered the war hero for his honour, determination, resilience and leadership.

His family said he was their beloved patriarch and a devoted husband and father.

WA's longest-serving parliamentarian, Bill Grayden, has been remembered for "a life filled with honour" at his state funeral, which was attended by hundreds of mourners in Perth on Tuesday.

The decorated World War II veteran was farewelled at a service at St George's Cathedral attended by family, veterans and dignitaries.

WA Premier Roger Cook, former premier Richard Court and WA Governor Chris Dawson were among those present.

Pallbearers carry Bill Grayden's casket at his state funeral in Perth. (ABC News: Jasmine Hughes)

"For a life lived with honour, determination, resilience and leadership, Captain William (Bill) Leonard Grayden AM personified what it meant to be of service," Mr Cook said in his eulogy.

Mourners are paying tribute to Bill Grayden at his state funeral. (ABC News: Jasmine Hughes)

"Throughout his extraordinary career, Bill Grayden's character shone through. That of both leader, and more importantly, that of a good and decent man.

"We owe him, and his generation — of which much was asked — an eternal debt of remembrance."

Born in Perth in 1920 to a father who had served at Gallipoli in WWI, Mr Grayden's commitment to serving the public began at the outbreak of WWII, when he lied about his age to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force.

Bill Grayden lied about his age so he could enlist in the Australian Imperial Force at the outbreak of WWII. (Supplied)

He spent time in Syria before being sent to Papua New Guinea's infamous Kokoda Trail and also served in Borneo.

Discharged from the army in 1946, Mr Grayden began his career in state politics the following year when he was elected to the seat of Middle Swan, and would later enter federal politics, serving under Robert Menzies.

He returned to state parliament in 1967 before retiring in 1993.

He spent 43 years in government in total and is recognised as WA's longest-serving parliamentarian.

Bill Grayden's 10 children shake hands with Premier Roger Cook and Governor Chris Dawson, outside St George's Cathedral. (ABC News: Jasmine Hughes)

Former premier Richard Court paid tribute to Mr Grayden's work ethic, and said he