New South Wales Nationals MP Stephen Bromhead has been remembered as "a friend to everyone" as state leaders, politicians and his electorate mourns his death.
The long-serving member for Myall Lakes announced last August that he would retire from politics after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer often caused by breathing in or ingesting asbestos fibres.
Mr Bromhead, 66, had represented the NSW Mid North Coast since 2011, after succeeding John Turner who held the Myall Lakes seat from its creation in 1988.
His friend and former president of the Forster-Tuncurry Rugby Club, Damian Daczko says the club intends to hold a memorial game for Mr Bromhead, who was a life member.
"Stephen was a friend of everybody," Mr Daczko said.
"He had that ability to converse with everyone, from the man down on his luck, to the business leaders of the community and get the best out of all of them."
Residents in Forster have told the ABC that Mr Bromhead's death is a great loss to the community and that he'll be remembered as a great family man.
Deputy Premier and leader of the NSW Nationals Paul Toole said Mr Bromhead, who he affectionately called Brommy, was his mate who devoted his life to serving his community.
"No-one has fought harder to ensure the people of Myall Lakes get the health services they deserve," Mr Toole said.
"His death will be felt throughout the community.
"It's testament to the character of Brommy that, when it came time to say his goodbyes to the Parliament last year, rather than just list his many achievements, he used it to say thank you for the privilege of being able to serve."
Mr Bromhead's federal counterpart, Lyne MP David Gillespie remembered him as a "gentle giant" who he first met in during the 2010 national election campaign.
"I met him on the hustings, he was a great help, a true friend and he stood by his principles," Mr Gillespie said.
"It's really sad that his life has been cut short by that horrible disease, mesothelioma."
During a valedictory speech in the NSW Legislative Assembly last year, the Nationals stalwart thanked the party and his family for their support.
"After 12 years I leave here not because I want to," Mr Bromhead said during the speech in October 2022.
"I do not want anyone to think that this is a case of someone who is tired, does not want to be a local member, and is giving up.
"It is simply the case that I have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, which means I cannot put 100 per cent into the job."
Mr Bromhead is survived by his wife Sue and their seven children.
Tanya Thompson is the Nationals candidate for Myall Lakes in the upcoming March 25 election.
She offered her condolences to Mr Bromhead's family.
