Mr Murphy passed away peacefully in his Wallerawang home on Friday, July 20 aged 86.

He was honoured at his funeral on Wednesday by NSW Fire and Rescue, which parked two engines by the church, and the RSL sub-branch. 

Lithgow RSL sub-branch honourary secretary Michael Cuthbert said that Ron had been a long term member of the sub-branch, took the role of president very seriously and was dedicated in that position. 

“He was a very, very well liked and respected member of the branch and his loss will be truly felt for a long time,” he said. 

On a personal level Mr Cuthbert said that Ron was a mentor and a friend. 

“He was very quick with a joke, he was the kind of bloke you could pour your heart out to and he would not judge you, he would give advice, even if he was telling you to pull up your boot strings and get on with it.

“He was one of the true gentleman and he will be sorely missed.” 

At Lithgow City Council’s monthly meeting, Mayor Stephen Lesslie marked Mr Murphy’s passing. 

“Ron was a strong presence in this council area and I can’t remember Ron ever actually missing a meeting of the council here, he was at every single council meeting, at least while I have been on the council,” he said. 

“I would go to functions right across the city and Ron would be there.” 

Close friend of Ron Murphy, John Barlow, said it was devastating to lose a close associate and good friend. 

“Ron was just one of those quiet achievers and his involvement in the NSW Fire Brigade was astounding,” he said.

Mr Barlow met Ron more than 40 years ago, due to their involvement in the RSL. 

“He was a good president for the RSL and his dedication to his job will be remembered, as well as how considerate he was to members and associated families,” Mr Barlow said. 

“Ron was a great man and will be sorely missed in the branch and the community.”

Mr Murphy was born in Redfern on October 20, 1931 and was passionate about his footy. 

Mr Murphy met his wife, Colleen (deceased) and the devoted couple raised their family in Sydney before settling in Wallerawang in the early 2000’s. 

He volunteered as part of the Citizens Military Forces before starting his career at the Akubra factory. 

He then went on to become a firefighter in 1961. 

He was also known for his love of military history. 

Mr Murphy became a dedicated member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church community. He was a devoted member of the Lithgow RSL sub-branch, serving as president, and a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul.