They would sit down the very front, meeting and greeting all those around them.

Squadron Leader Slattery, a one-time candidate for the priesthood, had a serious demeanour but always a kind and generous heart that belonged to his beloved family, God and the community.

At Saturday night’s vigil mass there was a united and audible intake of breath from the pews on the announcement that the Emeritus Mayor and Order of Australia Medal holder had died about 12 hours earlier.

Yesterday the Slattery children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were gathering around their matriarch who rarely left the side of her husband as his lifeforce ebbed.

Joan Slattery and her family kept a 24-hour vigil at the Lourdes Hospital bedside of the former Dubbo mayor last week.

Just before 6am on Saturday his two-year battle with cancer came to an end but only after exchanges with loved ones, old mates and admirers.

Tony Kelly, a friend since the Slattery family came to town in 1974, was among those who called by in the final days.

“I’ve never met anyone better than Tom Slattery,” he said yesterday.

“He loved people and related to them. He would help anyone.”

Son-in-law of 33 years Ian Wray, who served on Dubbo City Council with his father-in-law, is grateful for the times they shared, and the “incredible care” provided to the dying man by Lourdes staff.

Squadron Leader Slattery, who came to Dubbo towards the end of a 37-year career with the Royal Australian Air Force, was a director of the hospital board for 26 years.

It was one of numerous organisations through which he served Dubbo including the city council where he performed the duties of a councillor for eight years, seven of them as mayor.

Council general manager Mark Riley yesterday recalled the former mayor’s “honesty and integrity” when listing some of the projects he led including CBD beautification involving reconstruction of urban streets, footpath renovations, intersection improvements, the opening of two new bridges and building of a pedestrian mall.

Off-street car parking within the CBD, the planting of 10,000 trees, improvements at the city’s swimming pool complex and racecourse, along with the construction of a childcare centre for Aboriginal children, were also achieved during his years as mayor.

Former councillor Barry Brebner said Squadron Leader Slattery was a “team leader” and “a pleasure to work with”.

Mr Wray said his father-in-law will be honoured at his funeral on Thursday by a guard of honour comprising Dubbo Rescue Squad members.

The requiem mass will be held in St Brigid’s from 11am followed by burial at the new city council cemetery.

Light refreshments will be served later at West Dubbo Bowling Club.

kim.bartley@ruralpress.com