A larger than life character with a big heart, Mr Frichot was known as a Border electrician heavily involved in squash, tennis and hockey.

But his Country Fire Authority service, largely with the Wodonga brigade, stood out most of all, spanning 55 years until his death on Saturday, November 14, after an illness, aged 72.

Family and friends this week remembered Mr Frichot's wicked sense of humour and love of practical jokes alongside his commitment to community and those he loved most.

Originally from Eaglehawk, he moved to Wodonga with his family as a child and joined Wodonga Fire Brigade in 1965.

Apart from a brief stint back in his hometown in 1970, he stayed with the Wodonga brigade ever since - even during 10 years living in Albury - in roles including member, firefighter, instructor and Fire Equipment Maintenance team member.

He and wife Lyn married in 1972 and their children Troy and Michelle recalled many years of joining in as he helped lead the brigade's Good Friday Appeal.

"He was a lovable character with a big heart, loved his kids, loved his granddaughters," Mrs Frichot said.

"Loved being involved with the community and absolutely loved the fire brigade."

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Awarded Wodonga Fire Brigade life membership in 2004, Mr Frichot received the National Medal 3rd Clasp in 2015 and 50-year CFA life membership the following year.

Fellow CFA volunteers Des Milbourne, Chris Pollard and Alex Todd said their friend loved the brigade's comradeship and wanted to remain involved throughout decades of change.

"Neville had a huge habit of turning up in sandshoes, even after PPE had come in," Mr Pollard said with a laugh.

"We'd go 'Nev, shoes!', 'Oh, these are comfortable'.

"He was always on for a bit of a tease, nothing that would hurt anyone but you'd know who's behind the practical jokes."

Although not associated with scouts, Mr Frichot would complete electrical jobs at the scout hall.

"I'd say 'Send us a bill' - we never got one, that was the sort of person he was," Mr Pollard said.

The friends became closer as they entered retirement.

"Over the last 12 months, we nearly spoke every day on the phone to see how each other was," Mr Milbourne said.

"At the end of the day we were bloody good mates."

A life member of Commercial Club Squash Club, Mr Frichot also played, coached and umpired hockey, serving as president and vice-president of Wodonga Hockey Club.

At Parkland Tennis Club he was a player, president and life member.

"Lyn was the more serious tennis player of the two, Neville liked the social side of tennis, so to speak," fellow player Nicole Jackson said.

"A true blue larrikin who will be sorely missed by many."

Survived by his wife Lyn, children Troy and Michelle, daughter-in-law Louise and granddaughters Isabel, 14, and Sasha, 10, Mr Frichot's funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 24, at 2pm at John Hossacks Funeral Services Albury.