The Wilson family has told of "so many people, each in their time of need" who benefitted from his kindness.

"Sometimes it may have been people experiencing sickness or grief," daughter Gabrielle told mourners at a requiem mass celebrating her father's life at Dubbo's St Brigid's Catholic Church on May 7.

"Sometimes it was someone who was having trouble putting in a new driveway or home extension.

"Other times it may have been a helping hand to someone just getting started in the building industry.

"He loved helping people and his generosity was boundless."

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Michael Thomas Wilson, 77, died on April 30 from a heart attack.

He is survived by an adoring family including wife of 50 years Penny, seven children and 34 grandchildren who are missing their "Papa".

Mick Wilson was born at Hillston and at the age of 12 moved with his family to Dubbo where he attended De La Salle College.

After finishing school, he became an apprentice carpenter under Mart Morrison before working for Wallace and McGee.

In the late 1970s he joined the NSW Public Works and showed his "leadership and ability to bring in major projects on time and under budget".

His many projects included Lithgow, Silverwater and Parramatta prisons, North Sydney Girls High School and multiple TAFE colleges.

Later, Mr Wilson stood watch over the development of infrastructure important to the social and economic growth of Dubbo including Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, Western Plains Cultural Centre and Old Dubbo Gaol, just to name a few.

The man who played for the Cronulla Sharks in 1967/1968 before returning home to help CYMS win its inaugural first-grade premiership, supported the community when not on a construction site.

His extensive contribution to the game of rugby league at Dubbo included coaching, serving on the CYMS committee and manning its barbecues.

Mr Wilson was a founder of St John's Dubbo Junior Rugby League Football Club which made him a life member after he served in "every role imaginable".

Mr and Mrs Wilson were made life members of Dubbo City Swimming Club which nurtured the skills of all their children.

The close-knit Wilson family has lost the "head chef" at its Tuesday night dinners but knows how to carry on.

It will follow Mick Wilson's advice that "family is everything and if you're going to do a job, do it properly".

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