Vale Joseph "Joe" Hilton Blair

Joseph Hilton Blair, known as Joe or Joey, and his wife Vivienne (Viv) were well known through their Rotary work over the past 20 years, with both involved in significant fundraising and community work throughout the Hawkesbury.

Cr Sarah Richards moved council acknowledge and pay respect to Mr Blair at the November 26 council meeting, stating his loss would be greatly felt by many in the local community.

Mr Blair joined Kurrajong/North Richmond Rotary in 1999 and was club president in 2006.

He co-started the Graffiti Clean-Up Day in 2008, and had been devoted to the project ever since, Cr Richards said.

"Joe was very passionate about his graffiti removal trailer and was so personally invested in removing graffiti across the Hawkesbury that people knew if graffiti went up overnight, Joe would have it gone the next day," she said.

He was also a great supporter of the annual great Rotary duck race and monster Christmas raffle, all funds from which went to local community groups, and national and international projects as identified by the club, she said.

"Joe was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2011, a Rotary award given to people who go above and beyond as a Rotarian in their commitment to 'service above self', a long-standing Rotary principle," Cr Richards said.

Mr Blair was a director of community services in the Kurrajong/North Richmond club for 17 years before transferring to Richmond Rotary in 2018. Mrs Blair continues to be a member of the Richmond club.

"Joe and Viv have organised numerous events at their home to raise money for Rotary projects, as well as running and participating in countless Rotary barbecues at the showground and for local events," Cr Richards said.

"Because of this hard work and constant participation, Joe is well respected amongst so many in the Hawkesbury community.

"Joe's loss will be greatly felt. Joe was loved by so many and completely embodied the values of community spirit."