Friends and family will gather tomorrow to farewell the former principal of Dubbo Central Public School. Noel "Bob" Garling, a man known for his rollicking sense of humour, was principal for 30 years. Mr Garling passed away on Monday after battling leukemia. He had been diagnosed earlier this year. A graveside funeral and service will be held in the New Dubbo Cemetery on the Dunedoo Road at 9.30am tomorrow. Friend Des Faggotter recalled Mr Garling as a "big man with a big heart". "He was such good company. You'd get out of your car and he'd wander across the lawn, and your face would light up - because you knew you were going to have a good time," he said. Mr Garling loved the outdoors, and was chair of the Burrendong State Recreation Progress Association. He also served as president of Dubbo Rotary from 1998-99, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow. Fellow Rotarian Ray Nolan also remembered Mr Garling's love of the outdoors. "He had a permanent site at Burrendong Dam, he and the family used to spend Christmas there - in fact, he spent all his spare time and holidays at the dam," Mr Nolan said. "Bob had a rollicking sense of humour, and was very dedicated. He was highly regarded in Rotary, always there to lend a hand." A body builder in his younger days, Mr Garling also loved playing marbles, Mr Nolan recalled. "He played in the Australian championships, he was quite outstanding at marbles." Mr Garling is survived by his wife Jannette, sons Brett, Paul and Mark, and many grandchildren. lynton.grace@ruralpress.com