Tributes flow for Norm Morgan

The Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club life member never missed a season of patrols and held a string of positions in the club over the years.

He was senior partner with Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers until his death.

Rick Rolff was Mr Morgan's long-time friend.

"If you wanted somebody on which to model bringing up your kids, you would model it on him," Mr Rolff said.

Mr Morgan was husband to Marg, father to Heath, Miranda, Cian and Michaela, grandfather to Harry and Gia, and brother to Pat and Marilyn. He was a familiar face at Flynns Beach and his active involvement in Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club dated back to 1967.

His roles within the club included president and secretary, and he also was a life member and life governor. Rowing surf boats was one of Mr Morgan's passions.

"He loved the beach, and he loved Flynns Beach," Mr Rolff said.

Newly elected Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor Peter Besseling said it was a sad and tragic day when we lost a man with great character, ability and innate sense of community.

"A more gentle, caring and community-spirited man you couldn't meet," Mr Besseling said.

Mr Morgan was the 1969 Port Macquarie High School captain. He noted in his captain's report it was important for all students to play their part in the school, and later in the community itself. That's exactly what Mr Morgan did.

He started work at Donovan Oates & Hannaford Solicitors of Port Macquarie in late 1973, and was awarded Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney the following year.

He was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW in 1975 and became partner of Donovan Oates & Hannaford Solicitors in 1977.

The position of Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers senior partner came on July 1, 2002.

David Donovan, the then senior partner of Donovan Oates & Hannaford Solicitors, tells the story that, in the early 1970s, he had a discussion with Mr Morgan in the surf at Flynns Beach, which continued onshore. Mr Morgan subsequently started work with the firm.

Mr Morgan practised initially in court appearance work, litigation and family law.

In subsequent years, he switched to property conveyancing, commercial work, wills, probate and estate work and elder law.

He became a notary public in October 2004.

Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers managing partner Justin Levido said Mr Morgan had a busy practice and many loyal clients. He served with much dedication and commitment.

His last day at work was August 30.

"Norm was not only held in high regard by his clients, but his peers in the local legal and conveyancing professions," Mr Levido said.

"Norm was a very decent and honourable man who lived his life based on the principle of being fair and honest in his dealings with all people."

He was the honorary solicitor to many community-based organisations, such as Legacy, together with many sporting clubs.

"He provided steady leadership to Donovan Oates Hannaford Lawyers in both good and difficult times," Mr Levido said.

"We will miss him terribly."

Mr Morgan's funeral will be held at the Uniting Church on the corner of the Oxley Highway and Sherwood Road from 2pm on Tuesday.