President and Life Member of the Lismore Veteran Golfers, Noel John Bell, has passed away aged 78.

Lismore Veteran Golfers secretary and Northern Rivers Veteran Golf Association president John Lowe described Mr Bell as a “practical joker” and family man who loved people and had a passion for golf.

“He adored his grandchildren and grandson,” Mr Lowe told the Lismore App.

“He was a champion bloke. He attended everything involving the vets.”

Mr Bell was an active member of the Lismore Workers Golf Club for many years as a regular player in the Thursday and Saturday competitions.

As well as playing an additional golf day on Tuesdays, he was very active in the running of the vets as a committee member and was vice president in 2010

He was elected president in 2011 - a position he held until he passed away last week - and was a delegate to the Northern Rivers Veteran Golf Association.

“He rarely missed playing golf each year in Open Days at all 18 clubs which make up the NRVGA,” said Mr Lowe.

“Noel was made a life member of Lismore Veteran Golf in May this year in recognition of his tireless efforts, an honour he humbly accepted."

Hundreds packed St Carthage's Cathedral yesterday to farewell Mr Bell and 60 odd of his Veteran Golf mates formed a guard of honor at the conclusion of the service.

Mr Bell passed away peacefully at St Vincent’s Hospital Palliative Care on August 22.

He was the beloved husband of Clare, loved father of Stephen and Nicole, Michael and Susie and Angela. Much loved poppy Noel of Michael, Cailgh, Taylah, Emma, Lawson and great-grandson Rory. Brother of Sandra Mills.