Russell Fox, QC, died on December 23, aged 93. He was farewelled at a service at St John's Church, Gordon, on Sydney's north shore.

Several ACT legal representatives were in attendance, including Chief Justice Murrell and ACT Bar Association vice-president Shane Gill.

A eulogy was delivered by his son, Geoffrey Fox, who spoke of his father's deprived childhood, along with limited educational opportunities.

Despite the hardship, Mr Fox went on to attend Duntroon and served in New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea during the Second World War.

He studied at the University of Sydney, was admitted to the NSW Bar in 1949, and took silk in 1963.

He developed a large practice in commercial law and equity before he was appointed a judge of the ACT Supreme Court in 1967, rising to become chief judge in February 1977.

The top job also gave him a lifetime appointment to the then newly established Federal Court of Australia.

The ACT Supreme Court Library is named in his honour.

ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell on Friday acknowledged the retired judicial officer's contribution to justice in the territory. ''Mr Fox will be remembered for his contribution to the legal system within the ACT and Australia,'' Mr Corbell said.

''During his time on the Supreme Court, Mr Fox was instrumental in bringing the court in line with developments in other jurisdictions.

''Mr Fox also advocated the reform of the substantive law and encouraged the further development of the legal profession within the ACT.''