Mr Neville, who was 83, passed away on Wednesday, July 5 following a short and sudden illness.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marie as well as his children Kerry, Michael, Stephen, Alison and their families including 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Described as a “solid true gentleman”, Mr Neville was admired and trusted by those with whom he dealt both within his working life and within the real estate industry.

One former colleague described Mr Neville as one who “shaped many a good agent’s career with his friendly disposition and scrupulous ethics”.

“My first introduction into my real estate career was with the wonderful, gentle and caring Vince Neville,” she said.

Others who knew Mr Neville outside of his working life said he was “an absolutely wonderful, clever, warm and funny man”.

These words were echoed by close family friend, Ray Mead, who delivered the Eulogy to a packed Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the Memorial Mass for Mr Neville held on Friday, July 14.

Mr Neville was born 2 December, 1933 and was the youngest son of Charles and Emily Neville. He had an older brother, John.

Mr Mead spoke of Mr Neville’s earlier years of schooling at St Patrick’s Convent School in Griffith through to his final years at Chevalier Sacred Heart College at Burradoo near Bowral.

“On completing his Leaving Certificate in 1950, Mr Neville worked for a short time in his father’s real estate agency before commencing an accountancy traineeship with a local Chartered Accounting firm,” Mr Mead said.

After six years in the accounting field Vince returned to his father's Real Estate Business as a salesman/trainee Auctioneer. On his father's death in January 1961 he became a partner, licensed Real   Estate salesman, Auctioneer and Stock and Station agent and later a registered Real Estate Valuer.

“Having met the love of his life, Marie Cudmore, at a church fete when they were 16, the couple were married on 27 November, 1954 shortly before they both turned 21,” Mr Mead said.

“Vince enjoyed family life and, having met Marie, was honoured to become the fourth Cudmore son after Des, Pat and Joe.”

Mr Mead spoke of the sporting achievements of Mr Neville with his Cudmore brothers competing in cricket competitions including the O’Farrell, Hedditch and Creet Cup teams as well as club games for Ex Servicemen’s, Leagues Club and Benerembah.

“Vince was also a talented golfer, his smooth swing was legendary and in different circumstances he may have pursued a career in that field,” Mr Mead said.

Service to the community was also something of which Mr Neville had a deep involvement and in the 1960s he joined the Griffith Apex Club holding several club portfolio positions as well as district positions of Secretary and also District Governor. He also served as zone secretary for a period of time and was ultimately awarded the highest honour that could be bestowed upon a club member – Life Membership.

Mr Mead spoke of his first involvement with Mr Neville which arose through the purchase of the Mead family home in Grimison Avenue.

“We have since forged a great relationship built on shared interests, regular holiday trips, numerous social activities, occasional golf and a liking for a party,” Mr Mead said.

“I found Vince to be a quiet person of high integrity, extreme loyalty, absolute honesty and a sincere concern for the welfare of others.

“He set high standards and I have valued his friendship.”

Mr Mead told the congregation of Mr Neville’s deep faith and that he provided a great example to his family of what being a Christian was about.

“He was a keen supporter of parish life at all levels and was generally one of the first to put up his hand when there was work to be done,” Mr Mead said.

“No greater achievement can a man have than to go through his life and be known as a good man. Vince was not only a good man - he was a great man!”

The Memorial Mass for Mr Neville was held following an earlier graveside service during which members of the Griffith Sub Branch of the RSL paid tribute to his years as a member of the National Service with an RSL Funeral Service.