Miner's funeral today

BEACONSFIELD - Larry Knight's family can't wait any longer. The Tasmanian miner, killed two weeks ago in the Beaconsfield gold mine disaster, will be buried today surrounded by family, friends and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Workmates Todd Russell, 34, and Brant Webb, 37, trapped below ground since Anzac Day, were freed early this morning. It is unsure whether they will be able to attend the funeral. 

Mr Knight, 44, died when an earth tremor collapsed tonnes of rock in the tunnel where the three goldminers were working. Mr Webb and Mr Russell survived, trapped in a steel cage.

Mr Knight's family delayed his funeral in the hope that his companions and their rescuers could attend.

Despite their own loss the Knights have given support to the Webb and Russell families, gaining deep respect in a community traumatised by Mr Knight's death and the 13 days it has so far taken to tunnel through to the two other popular members of the small northern Tasmanian mining town.

"I am incredibly impressed by the whole family," said West Tamar Anglican minister Chris Thiele, who will open and close today's service at St John's Church in Launceston.

"They have coped remarkably well.

"But they've reached the point where they're saying, 'We need to say goodbye', and bring some closure to this difficult time in their lives."

Mr Shorten has also been humbled by the family. "They have been remarkably generous.

"I can't imagine the level of compassion which says you put your own grieving process on hold to assist the rescue of others.

"This family has done this."

Depending on the state of the rescued miners today, members of Mr Webb's and Mr Russell's families intend to be among the mourners passing through the carved arches at St John's.

The church was commissioned by Lieutenant-Governor Sir George Arthur in 1824 and is among Launceston's most significant historic buildings.

Only family and friends will be permitted inside the church for a funeral that has gripped international attention because of the drama unfolding at Beaconsfield.

Although details of the service remained confidential yesterday, the main role will be played by members of the Christian bikers group God's Squad.

The leader of the Launceston chapter was a schoolfriend of Mr Knight, who is understood to have been a member. Mr Thiele said the hearse would be led by members on their motorcycles, including Mr Knight's own Harley-Davidson.

"Larry, I know, would really have liked [his funeral] to be simple, with his family - and definitely no media."