A sad reminder has been issued to the Wagga community to check on their neighbours after a real estate agent’s unfortunate discovery.
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Wagga’s John Ash has been fondly remembered as always the “first person to lend a hand”.
Mr Ash, 77, was found dead at his Ashmont home by a real estate agent on Tuesday.
Police believe Mr Ash may have been dead in his home for more than a month before the discovery.
The Rules Bowling Club had a minute’s silence in Mr Ash’s honour on Wednesday, remembering their member and friend.
Mr Ash was a committee member, player and chief cook for the club.
Bowls coordinator Gary Brookes, who knew Mr Ash for more than 10 years, said he was a great supporter of the club.
“He was just a great person and was always there to help out,” he said.
“The time and effort he put in with his volunteer work here is phenomenal, nothing was ever a trouble. We are certainly going to miss him.”
Mr Brookes said the tragedy was a reminder for people to check on their neighbours.
“That’s what they’re there for, especially for single people like John,” he said.
“He would always say when he was going away but we thought he might’ve just gone away again.”
Settlers Village liaison manager Amanda Maniscalco said it was important not to abandon the “old-fashioned manners” of checking on the elderly.
“It’s good community spirit to check on their wellbeing,” she said.
“If the blind doesn’t go up in the village we know to go and check.”
Riverina Police District inspector Peter Hayes has also urged the community to keep an eye out.
“I wouldn’t like a member of my family to be found like that and I’m sure members of the community would feel the same,” he said.
