Mr Fletcher was the husband of Theresa Fletcher and father of Virginia, Maxwell and Lorraine as well as the step-father of Mi-Lin, Patrice and Dominic, all of whom he was very proud of.

He was a much loved character in Moree, always up for a yarn with many stories to tell.

He was born in Bingara where he remained until he was 10 years old, before moving to Moree.

He was called up to the National service at 18 years old, where he was an explosives expert from 1954 to 1959.

On his return to Moree, he worked for what was then the North West County Council, where he would blow holes in the ground to put in power lines right across the region.

"He could actually put explosives in the ground and blow a specific hole with a specific depth and specific width," Mr Fletcher's wife Theresa said.

He remained in that job for 43 years until a shoulder injury forced him out, but would continue helping police get rid of explosives that they found or were handed in.

After retirement, he continued to keep busy as a really keen gardener and cook, making lots of sauces which he would give away. He made "the most fantastic Worcestershire sauce you've ever tasted" according to Theresa.

He continued to remain involved with the Moree RSL Sub-Branch and would always lay a wreath for the National Servicemen's Association at numerous services each year.

Moree RSL Sub-Branch secretary Michael Hankey said Lloyd was "just one of those real characters" and "always good for a yarn."

"You'd probably believe half of the stuff he told you," he laughed.

"He really had a heart for the Nashos which he was a very proud National serviceman."

Lloyd Fletcher's funeral service will be held on Friday, February 14 from 10am at Moree Anglican Church.