Long time, respected Maitland business operator and former councillor Bob Geoghegan has died after a 12-month battle with cancer.
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Mr Geoghegan, 73, was best known for his role as owner/operator of the Hit n Dip Sports Centre at GreenHills and the many terms he served as a councillor on Maitland City Council - including a stint as acting mayor.
It is only fitting that the former city leader is farewelled at Maitland Town Hall.
Mrs Geoghegan said her husband's passing was very sad but he is now finally at peace.
"It's been a long battle and he fought long and hard. He just drifted off last night. It was a blessing," Mrs Geoghegan said.
Mr Geoghegan, who would have turned 74 in December, had battled cancer. He is survived by his wife and daughters Sally, Louise and Kathryn and his six grandchildren.
"Bob was a very committed man and wanted to make a difference for the community. He was very passionate about Maitland," Mrs Geoghegan said.
Born and bred in Sydney, Mr Geoghegan went to St Joseph's College Hunter's Hill and to University in Sydney where he studied mechanical engineering.
"He started working at BHP and Moore Road Machinery. After that we owned and operated the Bayside Tavern in Warners Bay, where we stayed for five years before we came to Maitland and opened Hit n Dip in the late 70s. We were only meant to stay here for five years but Bob loved it so much we never left." Mrs Geoghegan said.
"He was a very good businessman and always questioned everything. He'd tell the kids to 'use the question theory'. He was a big advocate for asking questions."
Mrs Geoghegan said her husband was a wonderful man who was passionate about everything he did. "He was a great husband, father and grandfather and a very fine and proud gentleman."
Former mayor and long time local government colleague Peter Blackmore said Mr Geoghegan did a lot for the community - particularly through music and the arts.
"This is very sad news," Mr Blackmore said.
"Bob was just such a nice fellow who did a lot for Maitland."
"He was acting mayor for me about ten years ago when I had a heart by-pass and both he and Robyn did a great job," Mr Blackmore said.
Friend and former Maitland councillor Brian Burke said Mr Geoghegan was the ultimate councillor who taught him a great deal.
"I nicknamed him Captain Questions because even when an item on the council agenda was passed unanimously, he'd still ask a question," Mr Burke said.
"He was also a prominent and proud member of the Liberal Party."
Mr Geoghegan's funeral is expected to be held on Monday. More details to follow.