“Harold Mair was an outstanding local member of great example and much more,” Mr Fisher said from Belgrade, where he was representing the Australian government at a conference.

“With great dignity and purpose he served family, local community, state and nation for decades.

“His template should be studied by today’s crop of MPs, coast to coast, they would learn much.”

Albury Mayor Alice Glachan, whose father Ian followed Mr Mair in NSW Parliament, said the two men had found much to admire and respect in each other.

“Harold Mair was truly a man for the people, respected and well-liked by people of all parties,” she said.

Member for Albury Greg Aplin said Mr Mair had not only served the community well as member of Parliament, mayor and alderman but in many other ways.

“He was a great servant of Albury and always tried to do his very best for the community,” Mr Aplin said.

Long-time family friend and former Wodonga mayor Pam Stone said Mr Mair was always “the perfect gentleman”.

“Harold devoted himself to his country, but Albury and his constituents always came first,” she said.

Another long-time friend, Jean Whitla, was an ABC journalist who covered many stories about Mr Mair.

“Harold was a man of integrity and a dogged fighter,” Mrs Whitla said.

“If he wanted to get something done and couldn’t get the right answer he’d go to the top.’’