Jim O'Brien was bid a fond farewell by an auditorium brimming with current and former students, parents, teachers, colleagues and community leaders. It marked the end of four committed decades.

The first lay principal appointed by the parish in the 1970s was described by speakers as the "essence of Catholic education", "a visionary" and "stalwart".

Teacher Claire Gerke recalled her favourite memories of her "teacher, mentor and boss", explaining that she first met Mr O'Brien when she was as a fresh-faced year seven student.

"Fourteen years later, he was my boss," she laughed.

"Mr O'Brien prides himself on knowing every student's name and has always led by example. I'll never forget him visiting me in hospital two years after I had actually left school. We are all indebted for his vision and hard work."

Mr O'Brien shared Father Leo Donnelly's vision, and unwavering dedication to schooling in the Hastings, and was integral to the establishment of: Newman Senior Technical College; MacKillop Senior College; St Paul's High School and; St Josephs Regional College.

Following a slide show of photos and tributes from community leaders, Mr O'Brien said he "was the fortunate one, for coming to Port Macquarie all those years ago".

"All I can say is thank you.

"I feel privileged to have been part of the journey," he said.