Ness passed away suddenly on Sunday, aged 60. His passing has left a huge hole in the community where he was well-known across a number of sports.

Ness was best known across AFL Riverina, where he held a long association as a player and volunteer at Turvey Park, and also Marrar.

Ness also had a passion for harness racing and racing, and spent time working at the stables of Scott Spackman, Chris Heywood and Wayne Carroll.

He also enjoyed a 'colourful' touch football career for Riverina Hotel, and helped form it's cricket club many years ago.

But it was his kind nature, willingness to strike up a conversation with anyone and his ability to make others laugh that he will be best remembered for.

"He was extremely loyal, extremely humble and he was everyone's best mate," his son Michael said.

"He didn't care who you were and there was no empty conversations with him."

Ness was team manager of a number of Turvey Park junior teams over the years and proved a popular character with both kids and parents.

"Through his heavy involvement, I don't think I know anyone who knew as many people, but also then the preparedness to have time for those people," former Turvey Park junior coach Danny Malone said.

"The main thing to me with his involvement in those sporting clubs was the number of roles he would just take on. He was team manager, he was runner, he would do the goals, whatever. Not for thanks or recognition but as a clubperson that's just what you did. That sticks out to me.

"Particularly in that junior club scenario, how much the kids just loved him but he also had a great rapport with the parents as well. He had that capacity to have a bit of fun and have a laugh, but to bring people together in that way. He was second to none at that."

His brother, Terry Ness, was amazed by the time he had for people.

"He was an old fashioned person. He would always stop and have a chat," Terry said.

"When he was helping out with teams, not only would he know the players but he would make sure he got to know the parents of the players as well."

Ness is survived by his children Michael and Elizabeth, and partner Carmel Eastick.

A private service will be held on Friday at 12.30pm. It can be viewed via livestream at www.alanharrismcdonald.com.au

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