Peter Harold Franks (pictured), who spent 40 years teaching across the region, was the husband of Wendy, father of Belinda and Melissa, and grandfather of Millie, Campbell and Adam.

He has been remembered as a jovial man with a strong sense of community.

Mr Franks completed his first teaching post at Broken Hill for five years, before moving to Wagga where he worked as an English and history teacher at Kooringal High School for one year in 1977.

Mr Franks then worked at Billabong High School, Culcairn, for nine years and went on to Wagga High School as head history teacher from 1987 to 1989.

He continued his teaching at Kooringal High School from 1990 to 1993 and then worked as principal at Gundagai High School until 2009.

Mr Franks was heavily involved in sport in Wagga, first playing rugby union with Wagga City in 1977, going on to become assistant coach of Rivcoll in 1986 and head coach from 1987 to 1989.

He was Riverina Rugby Union president from 1990 to 1995.

Mr Franks was a driving force behind the development of Conolly Park, the headquarters for Southern Inland Rugby Union in Wagga, and was involved in the Wagga Jazz and Blues Festival.

"Peter was a larger-than-life person in many ways," friend Graeme Dutton said. "He was an advocate for public education and a strong supporter of the Teachers' Federation."

Gundagai High School principal Jennifer Miggins said he would be greatly missed by the community.

"He was a wonderfully wise man, full of fun and laughter, and had a smile for everyone," she said.

Mr Franks died at the Macquarie University Hospital and a private cremation will be held as per his wishes. A memorial service at the Wagga RSL Club will be held on Friday, December 5.