Residents in a number of communities around the Central West have been left in mourning following the passing of Narromine community stalwart Richard 'Dick' Carney.
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Mr Carney, a deeply respected community leader, also starred alongside his wife Ruth in A Little Piece of Heaven, an autobiographical theatre production that toured regional towns and Melbourne.
Narromine Shire Council mayor Craig Davies said that Mr Carney's passing had left 'a huge gap' in the Narromine community.
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"He was a man who rose above his humble beginnings to become a widely loved and respected community leader," Mr Davies said.
"A proud indigenous man, who with his wife Ruth, engaged in all things Narromine and became the inspiration of a movie and book, that points to the remarkable life he forged during his time in our community."
"Dick will not be forgotten but remembered for the joyful, generous and giving nature he brought to his everyday."
"Our thoughts are with Ruth and the wonderful memories left behind by a man we were all happy to call our friend," Mr Davies said.
The Mitchell Highway was lined with residents on the weekend who provided an honour guard following a private service, farewelling the man they knew as 'Uncle Dick'.
Alicia Leggett, who worked with the couple as part of their production with Orana Arts, described Mr Carney as a warm man full of love and forgiveness.
"There was a certain genuineness to both him and Ruth," Ms Leggett said.
"The director knew immediately that he didn't want actors, he wanted them both on the stage telling their story because of that genuineness."
"Dick will not be forgotten but remembered for the joyful, generous and giving nature he brought to his everyday."
- Narromine Shire Council mayor Craig Davis
"It was their ability to attract an eye, it has to do with the genuineness of him and the years of giving back to his community, a community that he felt was very generous to him, having met and married Ruth there."
Ms Leggett said that Mr Carney's natural, easygoing charisma kept people rapt whenever he'd perform with musical instruments, or sing songs by his favourite artist, Charlie Pride.
"It was always about giving for him, it was never about money, he didn't care, he just wanted to share.
"He was sharing his love and his art and himself all the time," Ms Leggett said.
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