Mr Dick passed away on Thursday July 20. He was aged 82 years.

A pioneer of Port Macquarie’s Christmas Bell export industry, history advocate and friend and benefactor for the north shore, Mr Dick passed away in Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Northside Progress Association president Kingsley Searle said he was gutted by the passing of a good friend and community member.

“It is with much sadness that we've heard of the death of Gordon in the base hospital after some weeks in Sydney Prince of Wales,” Mr Searle said.

“Gordon has been an advocate for, and friend and benefactor to, the north shore and the fire brigade.

“This is tragic news and I am personally gutted.”

Mr Searle said Mr Dick’s passing was not just a big loss for Port Macquarie and the region but also for the history of the area.

“The Dick family pioneered the area, while Gordon was integral to the native Christmas bell export industry too.

“He was a good friend to the association.”

Mr Searle said Mr Dick was thrilled to see the fire pit go in at the historic Coal Wharf and was a great historian of the area. 

The association’s committee will discuss how best to remember Mr Dick and his contribution to the north shore and Port Macquarie at a meeting on Wednesday night.

Mr Dick’s funeral service is on Thursday at Innes Gardens Memorial Park Chapel at 2pm.