Bob was a foundation member of the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club and the RSL Branch and he formed the local branch of the Australian Labor Party.

Speaking at his funeral on Tuesday Jim McMahon said even though Bob was never a person to brag about his achievements he was always heavily involved and very civically minded.

"Bob was the sort of person that if you needed a hand he would be there to help you out," he said.

During World War II Bob enlisted in the army and was posted to New Guinea, Borneo, Tarakan and Moratai reaching the rank of sergeant.

Bob met his wife Alama and moved to the Ridge in 1951 and he had a varied life from buying opal to working as a fencing contractor.

Ormie Molyneux said Bob worked tirelessly to achieve the services the town now enjoys.

"His legacy will benefit the people of Lightning Ridge for years to come," he said.

He lobbied hard to obtain an ambulance for the town, founded the funeral advisory service and worked hard with Dot Duncan to obtain a mortuary for the Accident and Emergency Centre.

Bob was named Walgett Shire Citizen of the year in 1992.

Secretary manager of the Bowling Club Ian Woodcock said Bob was on the original board of the Bowling Club and helped it to become what it is today.

"He will always be remembered as one of the founding fathers of the town," he said.