The local hockey community has paid tribute to a true stalwart following the passing of Raymond “Sandy” McLean.

Mr McLean, an adored father and grandfather who was part of the North Coast hockey community for more than 50 years, died last Wednesday at the age of 85.

His daughter Anne McLean described Mr McLean as the “ultimate father, pop, brother, friend, workmate, team mate, humble gentleman, great bloke and passionate Canterbury Bulldogs supporter”.

“Sandy had a kind gentle nature and always gave of himself for the benefit of others,” she said.

A minute's silence was held for the passing of Sandy McLean ahead of Saturday's game between Coraki and Northern Star. PHOTO: Supplied.

On Saturday, a minute’s silence before the A Grade Men’s game between two of Mr McLean’s old teams - Coraki and Northern Star - honoured his contribution and Ms McLean, Mr McLean’s son-in-law Jason and grand-daughter Shania did the coin toss.

The players - who all wore black armbands - then gave three cheers in Mr McLean’s memory.

The president of the FNC Hockey Association Clint Mallet paid tribute to Mr McLean in a Facebook post.

“We will miss Sandy with his identifiable Stetson hat and more recently his walking stick,” Mr Mallet said.

“Far North Coast Hockey has benefited from Sandy being part of its community, he has a left us a legacy of children and grandchildren that grace our pitches.

“Sandy will be long remembered as one that gave so much respect to the game, his teammates, opponents and all involved.

“Far North Coast hockey is a better place because Sandy included it in his journey; our sincere condolences to all Sandy’s family and friends.

“FNC Hockey is equally saddened by this loss and we will miss him and the ways of a gentleman."

Ms McLean said her father was nicknamed Sandy as a lad due to the colour of his hair.

Originally from Coraki, in his younger years he played Rugby League for West suburbs and Woodburn, then hockey for the Coraki, South Lismore and Northern Star hockey clubs.

He also enjoyed lawn bowls and played with local groups the Heartbeats and Stirrers.

Over the years, Mr McLean worked at the Hurfords mill, Piercy and Nott’s, the Civic Hotel, Lismore Base Hospital and the Lismore Workers Club.

He was a valued volunteer with Lismore City Lions Club for many years, a proud member of Northern Rivers NASHO’s - wearing his medals and participating each ANZAC day at the Lismore service - a member of the Summit Gym and St Carthages Seniors Day Club.

He was also a familiar face at the Hilltop when he spent Thursday evenings with good mate and son-in-law Jason, always keen to win a meat tray and the members draw.

The last few years he had been a valued and respected neighbour at Chauvel Village in Goonellabah.

Mr McLean was the dearly loved husband of Margaret (deceased), son of Patrick and Alice McLean (both deceased) and brother of eight siblings.

He was the adored father of Janelle, Maria, Anne, Stuart and Donna, father-in-law of Tim, Jason, Chau and Linda and his grandchildren Adam, Josh, Kyle, Shania, Ella, Hayley and Charlie.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects to Mr McClean at his funeral service this Friday, April 5, at St Carthages Cathedral Lismore at 1pm, followed by his burial at Lismore lawn Cemetery and celebration of his life at the Lismore Workers Club in Goonellabah.

For funeral notices check out the Funeral Notices button on the Lismore App.