Friends and family from around region and Australia attended Mr Barker’s funeral in Narooma last Friday, as did club representatives from throughout the Group 16 competition.

Also present was lifelong mate Bob Bennett, who only last year together with George was recognised for his contribution to rugby league and the community, both receiving an OAM in the Queen’s birthday honour list.

“He was an icon of the town and definitely a legend of the town,” Mr Bennett said.

“Everything he did, he did for the town and he was probably one the greatest community members we ever had and ever will have.”

The Country Rugby League organisation was saddened to hear of the passing of George Barker from Group 16 on the Far South Coast.

A long-time life member of both Group 16 and the Country Rugby League, George devoted a large part of his adult life to the game through both junior and senior competitions.

“A Narooma local, George was a very passionate administrator and his distinguished resume over the last two decades speaks for itself,” the CRL statement read.

“He was the Patron for Group 16, attained numerous life memberships, held high-level representative positions and has served in most of the Group 16 senior executive positions including president.”

CRL Greater Southern manager Kevin Felgate expressed his condolences.

“Although over recent years his time has tapered off slightly due to ill health, his contribution to the game on the whole; from grass-roots to the boardroom, will be sorely missed,” Mr Felgate said.

George’s great grandfather, also named George, landed at Moruya in 1938, later moving to Tilba before the family became well known in Narooma.