“He was a good man,” his wife Robyn said on Monday. “He was such a kind person; he loved people and he loved to laugh… Our family is so proud of him.”

The former Southern Meats abattoir owner/manager passed away on Sunday at the home he loved. He was 75.

He had battled melanoma for the past six years, but breakthrough medication prolonged his initial prognosis. Mr Newton contributed generously to these clinical trials. He was able to spend precious time with his family as a result.

Cr Margaret O’Neill remembered a good friend who gave much to the community. “There were so many people he helped and Goulburn owes him a debt of gratitude,” she said. “… He was a silent achiever.”

Cr O’Neill was Goulburn City Deputy Mayor when the New Zealand-born Mr Newton wanted to buy the council-owned abattoirs in 1991.

It involved many meetings, but eventually he succeeded and became one of Goulburn’s largest employers. At its peak the facility employed 650 people.

Cr O’Neill said Mr Newton helped out many workers doing it tough, but never wanted recognition. Likewise, he was involved in numerous organisations, including the Challenge Foundation.

“He was a real friend and I’ll miss him a lot,” Cr O’Neill said.

Mr Newton is survived by his three sons, Craig, Scott and Heath, their spouses and six grandchildren. The family will hold a private funeral service.

A public memorial service will be held at St Saviour’s Cathedral on Saturday, October 8, Mr Newton’s birthday, at 11am.

Donations to the Melanoma Institute Australia are requested in lieu of flowers.