Mr Ingruber, of Bolwarra Heights, died in Maitland Hospital on Sunday, aged 82 years.

He is survived by his son Frank, daughters Ramona and Deborah, and his partner of 25 years, Margaret Beavis.

Frank Ingruber was born in Tamsweg, Austria, on November 4, 1930.

Together with his wife Annemarie, who passed away in 1987, and young son Frank junior, the family immigrated to Australia in 1955.

They lived in the Greta Migrant Camp for two years before building their family home in Weblands Street, Rutherford.

In an interview in the Lower Hunter Star in 2010 on the occasion of his 80th birthday, Mr Ingruber described the move to Australia as the best decision he ever made.

“I was looking for a better life. I felt there was no future for my children in Austria and Australia offered them many more opportunities,” he said.

Mr Ingruber was deeply grateful to his adopted country of Australia for the many opportunities it had given to him and his family, and he lived his life determined to give something back.

He was civic minded, working tirelessly for Lions and was passionate about road safety. He was also a keen lawn bowler at Lorn Park Bowling Club.

Frank junior, who now resides in Amsterdam, was unable to return to Maitland for his father’s funeral but forwarded the following message to all who loved and supported him.

“All of you will have your own memories of him, but I am sure you will recall a kind, loving and decent man who was devoted to his family, his community, and his adopted country,” Frank junior wrote.

“My own memories are of a wonderful father, who was happiest at home surrounded by his family. 

“He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and the life that he was able to give them. 

“It is bitterly ironic, therefore, that the means by which he made a future for his family should, through exposure to asbestos, ultimately lead to such a cruel death. 

“I remember a man with a big and generous heart: a man who was artistic and talented, handsome and strong, unfailingly courteous, charming and polite, a superb tradesman and great dancer.”

Mr Ingruber lived every day by his values of decency, loyalty, integrity, and common sense.

It is fitting that Mr Ingruber’s life will be celebrated today at St Christopher’s Anglican Church in Rutherford.

When the church burnt in the mid-1970s, Mr Ingruber – who was construction manager at Middleby Bros before opening FKI Home Planning Service in 1972 – donated his services to draw up the plans for the new church.

He constructed hundreds of homes across the Hunter Valley, often significantly undercharging young couples who needed a financial break in life.

Forty-plus years on, their straight roofs stand testament to his meticulous craftsmanship.

Mr Ingruber endured many struggles in life, but he also enjoyed many blessings, particularly the love of two wonderful women, his devoted wife of 30 years, Annemarie, and Margaret who brought him so much happiness and nursed him through his final illness. 

The Ingruber and Beavis families would particularly like to thank Frank’s “angels” at Maitland Hospital for treating him with such dignity and compassion, the dedicated doctors at Maitland and John Hunter

hospitals, Maitland/Dungog Palliative Care and the Dust Diseases Board of NSW.

Before his death, Mr Ingruber requested that the song Edelweiss be played at his funeral because it spoke of his heritage and always brought a smile to his face.

Mr Ingruber is also much loved by Marian, Geoffrey, Ross, Craig, Carol, Katrina, Donna, Troy and Sally.

He is the much Opi to Alicia, Anthony, Ashley, Kimberley, Bradley, Mia, Will and Abbey, and also to Ashton, Blake, Tara, Jordan, Rilee, Montanna, Lachlan, Grace and James.

Sister Mary Ursula Kennedy did not go anywhere without her rosary beads, a smile and a happy word for everyone she met.

When Ursie, as she was known, died aged 102 on July 18, a hand written note was found in her file.

It reads: Think of stepping on the shore and finding it heaven; of taking hold of a hand and finding it God's hand; of breathing a new air and finding it celestial air; of feeling invigorating and finding it immortality; of passing from storm and tempest to an unknown calm; of waking and finding it home.

Sister Ursula always had a mind of her own, hated fuss and her mantra was "thank you, thank you" no empty saying from a simple woman who always expressed her gratitude for any small assistance she received. Her farewell greeting was usually "happy days".

Sister Ursula was born Mary Thelma Kennedy on February 27, 1911, in a tiny house in High Street, Maitland.

She was the first daughter for Francis and Bridget Kennedy and the third of 10 children.

Thelma went to school at St John's Primary and St Mary's Convent in Maitland, from her home in Station Street, Maitland. She later joined her father's commission agent and auctioneering business.

The family played a prominent part in the growth of Maitland and her brother Joe was mayor for several terms.

There was also a strong commitment to the Catholic church in the district.

The Kennedy family was well acquainted with the Dominican sisters and knew some of the pioneering nuns including Mother Bertrand Walsh.

At age 26 on July 16, 1937, Thelma entered the Dominican community.

She was professed on March 7, 1940 as Sister Mary Ursula and began her long career teaching children to read and helping those with learning difficulties.

One of her earliest appointments was as a teacher at St Lucy's School for blind children at Homebush from 1948 until 1960.

She considered this a highlight of her career and was delighted to meet the inspiring Helen Keller.

Sister Ursula taught at St Columban's Mayfield, All Hallows Bathurst, Corpus Christi School Waratah and St Nicholas at Tamworth. But most of her career from 1975 until 1992 was spent teaching children to read at St Martha's Parish Primary School, Strathfield.

She was known, loved and referred to as Madonna of the streets because she walked to and from Mass and school every day. She knew everyone along the route and was a willing ear for each, always with a smile and a happy word.

Sister Ursula was a great walker, always with rosary beads in one hand and flowers for Our Lady's altar in the other.

While at Santa Maria del Monte Convent, Sister Ursula attended a technical college course every Monday night where she sewed religious habits of various kinds.

In 1990, aged 79, following her deep devotion to Our Lady, Sister Ursula travelled to Europe for Our Lady of Lourdes Tour which took in Lourdes, Oberammergau Passion Play, Rome and other sites.

She was not amused when as a habited sister she was not allowed entry into the casino at Monte Carlo even though she only wanted to have a look.

Sister Ursula retired to St Martin's Hostel in 1999. In 2002, she moved to Nazareth House, Tamworth, where she celebrated her 100th, 101st and 102nd birthdays to become the longest living Dominican sister of her congregation.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church, East Maitland today at 11am.