When Ben Van Delft spotted a homeless man, cold and alone, on the streets of New York, he took off his own jacket and gave it to him.
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This was, said his sister Carly Van Delft, exactly the sort of gesture she would expect from her brother, who has died unexpectedly while on that holiday in New York. He was just 36.
The former Wagga man had taken wife Melissa overseas on a trip he organised to celebrate her 30th birthday. The couple had been living in Newcastle.
Ms Van Delft has described her brother as "an absolute sweetheart".
"He was the kindest, sweetest man. He would talk to anyone, help anyone," she said.
"We were like twins when we were young. We were joined at the hip."
Ms Van Delft said her later father Michael had been a cabinet-maker and her brother had shared his passion for craftsmanship.
He was always very thoughtful towards his family, and particularly thoughtful and respectful to his mum.
- Brent Mehlstaubler
"He was extremely talented," she said.
"Ben learned to build and fix things at a very early age. He was great at woodwork at school, but wanted to pursue jewelry making."
Ms Van Delft said Ben had been surrounded by a loving extended family, including mum Sandy.
She said her brother had been married to soulmate Melissa for three years.
He also remained very close to cousin Michael Van Delft and several other friends from his days at the former St Michael's high school in Wagga.
Mr Van Delft began his career as a manufacturing jeweller when he was Just 15 and was employed as an apprentice by Brent Mehlstaubler of Diamonds on Baylis.
Mr Mehlstaubler said Mr Van Delft had remained with the Wagga business for nearly 18 years.
"Ben was just a terrific young bloke," he said.
"This is a small trade and it has rocked all of us.
"He was a wonderful kid. He was always very thoughtful towards his family, and particularly thoughtful and respectful to his mum.
"He was a very good jeweller."
After moving to Newcastle, Mr Van Delft was employed by respected company, Whitakers Jewellers, and was working hard in a job he loved, his sister said.
Mr Mehlstaubler remembers Mr Van Delft as "respectful and good and kind".
"Ben had the same group of three or four guys who have been friends since school and are still best mates," he said.
"I think that showed a bit of his character to have the same friends for so long."
Funeral arrangements for Mr Van Delft are yet to be finalised, but his family are hoping it will be held on Friday, April 5, in the Newcastle suburb of Stockton, one of his favourite places.
