He lived for and among the community and dedicated a lifetime to its service.

Today he was remembered and honoured by his family, friends and those he touched within the Valley and those outside.

A crowd of more than 850 people spilled out onto the lawns of Bellingen’s St Mary’s Church to hear about Carl’s life; a life encompassing a rich mix of community, business and family duties.

He was a man of many trades and talents, who cherished faith, family and believed the shire’s fabric was an important part of life’s joy.

He was remembered as a gentle, kind, caring man with both a sense of humour and deep sense of humility. Carl’s work ethic was a reminder of a bygone era; a time when sacrifice and decency were embedded into the daily life.

In a fitting tribute vehicular access on Bellingen’s main street was momentarily halted as a procession of people trailed after Carl’s tip truck for what’s been called Carl’s ‘last NRMA call’ – a passage from church to cemetery.

It was an extraordinary and deeply moving sight - a symbolic gesture that hoped to reflect the shire’s gratitude and respect.