PACKER, KERRY (1937-2005), Media Magnate,

Australia's richest man passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife Ros at his home in Bellevue Hill on 27th of December, 2005.

Prime Minister John Howard described him as "a generous, very philanthropic person" who was "always concerned about what was right for Australia".

News Corporation chairman and chief executive Rupert Murdoch said Mr Packer was "a life-long friend, fierce competitor and the most successful businessman of our generation".

Cricketer Shane Warne hailed Mr Packer as "a wonderful character, a close friend", while Premier Morris Iemma recalled Mr Packer's "profound impact on the business, cultural and sporting life of our city and nation".

Kerry Packer was an ambitious man who never gave up on an ideal. When confronted with obstacles, he always sought a way to get what he wanted.

One famous incident, he became upset with the Australian Cricket Board when made to wait four months for an appointment to discuss exclusive broadcast rights.

His mood had not been helped when he was told just after walking into the ACB boardroom that a deal had already been done to give the rights to the ABC.

Incensed, Mr Packer responded by creating World Series Cricket and a monumental emotional upheaval that divided the game as never before for two years.

By signing with Mr Packer, the world's top players, including Australians Ian and Greg Chappell, Rodney Marsh and Dennis Lillee were unavailable to play Test cricket.

So the international standard faltered, attendances dropped and the public became disillusioned to the point of drifting away.

It was a time of pastel colours with players wearing uniforms that were nicknamed pyjamas.

The West Indies' coloured uniforms were pink. Australia was in lemon.

Packer's revolution, although shortlived and bloody, left a legacy still enjoyed today and changed the way the game and the way it is administered forever.

He forced cricket administrators, drastically out of touch with public demands, to confront reality.

Night cricket, helmets, increased player payments, increased appeal of one day cricket and more female fans at games are just a few of the benefits of Packer's intervention.

He also introduced innovative and spectacular TV coverage.

He hated looking at what he called "batsman's arses" on TV so he increased the number of cameras around the ground to provide a variety of shots.

A secret meeting, the details of which will never be known now, between the late Sir Don Bradman and Packer helped bring peace and compromise - and a win for Packer.