Crawford & Company Australia Chairman Laurie Bevan, who died on July 6, was farewelled at a funeral in Melbourne today.

Mr Bevan was the group’s inaugural MD in Australia in 2002 after loss adjuster Robertson & Company merged with US-based Crawford & Company, one of the world’s largest providers of risk and claims management services.

He had been MD of Robertson & Company.

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading adjusters during a career spanning 45 years, Mr Bevan specialised in mining and energy claims.

Crawford & Company Australia CEO Andrew Bart – who was Mr Bevan’s deputy in 2002 before stepping up in 2004 – has paid tribute to “one of the true giants of our industry”.

“Laurie was a leader, motivator, innovator and a generous and loyal friend,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “There was and only ever will be one Laurie.

“He was quite simply the best adjuster I have ever seen and am likely to see.”