We wrote back the family saying: We will always have the fondest memories of Fergus. He always carried out his duties with the utmost integrity and was so dedicated to his community. We are all indeed much poorer for his loss.

Since then we have noticed on the wall of our office here at the Narooma News, a note from Fergus following his loss in the running for mayor in 2012, in which he wrote: “The result was not what I wished for as I would have enjoyed a further term building on my experience gained in the past four years. I will continue to work for everyone across the shire but in a slightly different role.”

This shows how passionate he was and determined to work for the community.

That passion extended to his surf life saving, for while he lived a two-hour drive away on his cattle property at Belowra, he apparently never missed a patrol.

If only all of us could be that dedicated.