A long-serving educator, volunteer and rugby league announcer, Mr. Davey died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday morning, aged 86.

He was born in Cessnock in 1929 and dedicated a large portion of his life to the community.

He was a teacher for 41 years (including 15 years as assistant principal at Cessnock Public School), retiring in 1989.

He met his wife Alison (the former Mayor of Cessnock) while working at Telarah Public School in 1958 and the couple married in 1960.

A passion for education led the Daveys to establish their tutoring centre – Cessnock Achievement Centre – in 1995.

Mr. Davey was a member of Cessnock Lions Club for more than 20 years, receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship – the highest possible recognition from Lions International for dedicated humanitarian services.

He was also a long-serving volunteer with Cessnock Community Transport, 2CHR-FM and Cessnock Tidy Towns.

He was named joint Cessnock City Senior Citizen of the Year in 2013 (with June Lennard).

“His contribution and dedication to the Cessnock local government area was exceptional,” Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said.

Mr. Davey was extensively involved with Cessnock Rugby League Club, serving as president for 25 years (from 1958 to 1983), ground announcer and record-keeper for more than 30 years, and wrote The Advertiser’s ‘Inside League with The Shadow’ column for 40 seasons.

Former Advertiser editor Bruce Wilson said he was saddened at the passing of Mr. Davey, with whom he had a close association through the paper for almost 40 years.

“Brian's column had a huge readership and his thoughts on the game, both locally and on a national level, were highly respected.

“Brian agreed to write the column so long as he could do using the nom de plume and for many years this anonymity remained.”

Mr. Wilson, who is also Cessnock Leagues Club president, said board members, as a mark of respect, held a moment’s silence in memory of Mr. Davey at last week's board meeting.

Mr. Davey’s funeral will be held on Tuesday at the North Chapel of Newcastle Crematorium, Beresfield at 2pm.

A bus will depart Cessnock Leagues Club at 1pm; seats can be arranged by calling the club on 4993 2655.