Liberal senator Jim Molan has died aged 72 after a sudden decline in his health.

Senator Molan suffered a “sudden and rapid” decline after Christmas, before dying peacefully on Monday surrounded by family.

“He was many things – a soldier, a pilot, an author, a volunteer firefighter, and a senator. Most of all, he was an adored husband, father, grandfather, and brother,” his family said in a public statement on Tuesday.

“Our loss is immeasurable, but we are comforted in our memories of a full life courageously lived, devoted to family and in service of the country he loved.

“We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.”

Senator Molan, who represented NSW, was a major-general in the army, under which he served for 40 years.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison said he left “an amazing legacy”.

“He was a very big man, Jim – big in stature … he had big ideas, he had big passions,” he told Nine Radio.

“Jim’s service in Iraq at the senior level … was like few Australian servicemen and women had ever experienced, such was the regard that was held of Jim’s military capabilities.”

He was re-elected to the Senate at the 2022 federal election.

Another colleague and former minister Keith Pitt said it was a “great loss” for Senator Molan’s family, parliament and Australia.

“A bloke that would always take your call,” Mr Pitt tweeted.

Former RSL president and army veteran James Brown said Senator Molan was a “great patriot”.

“A deep thinker, an unstoppable force, and a good friend – we will miss him.”

– AAP

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