Mr Lewis owned the Royal Hotel in Parkes for 25 years and served as Treasurer for Parkes Rugby Union Club.

Mr Lewis and his wife Karen sold the Royal Hotel to current owner Paul MacGregor in December 2007 and lived at Sawtell, south of Coffs Harbour, at the time of his death.

Good friend and President of the Parkes Rugby Union Club from 2007 to 2009, Geoff Rice, said Mr Lewis will be “sorely missed”.

“He’s done so much for the rugby club and the town. He was a huge supporter of the club and it probably wouldn’t have survived if it wasn’t for his generosity,” Mr Rice said.

Mr Lewis, who originally came from England, was described by Mr Rice as being “a very private man” but “a friend to everybody”.

“You could ask him anything and he would do it. He really gave a lot,” Mr Rice said.

“He didn’t say a lot but he was always there to give a hand.

“He welcomed everybody in and was always very friendly.

“He will be sorely missed,” Mr Rice said.

A funeral service for Barry was held on Saturday morning.