In less than a week the tight-knit community sadly lost Louis Cremasco, Roy Pratt and Andy De Paoli.

The sudden deaths of the three, described as “exceptional men”, follow that of another well respected resident Stan Cannard, who passed away just a few weeks earlier.

Mr Cremasco was tragically killed on Thursday while on holiday in Western Australia, and Mr Pratt died on Saturday, while Mr De Paoli passed away on Sunday.

Yenda Fruit and Case Supply manager Peter Norbiato said all of the men would be sadly missed.

“They are all exceptional people who have made terrific contributions to the Yenda community in their own way,” he said.

“Louis was a community leader who was involved in Rotary and was also heavily involved in the local grape vine research group.

“Roy was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was really a committed community stalwart, and Andy was a retired farmer who had a heap of community spirit too.”

Yenda Producers managing director Peter Calabria agreed the passing of all of these locals would leave a hole in the small community. “They are all good members of our community,” he said.

“I’ve had a bit more to do with Louis because he’s a director and a board member of the Yenda Producers.

“He was a forward thinker who came up with some good ideas. Louis has made valuable contributions here and I know from the co-op’s point of view he’ll be missed.

“I know the other men were also heavily involved in our community and they will also be greatly missed.”