WELL known Northam identity Ray Head died October 10 after collapsing at home.
The cause of death is unknown and there will be a coroner's inquest.
Cr Head had a long career with the West Australian Government Railways and was an enthusiastic supporter of many sporting and social organisations.
He was particularly well known as a local government councillor, first elected to the Town of Northam as a councillor in 1989, serving until his election as mayor in 2001.
Cr Head was well known for his drive and energy in this role, and together with wife Julie, lead the town until its merger with the old shire council in 2007.
He was elected to the new combined Shire of Northam and served as a councillor until his untimely passing last week.
Shire president Steven Pollard said council was "gutted".
"We had a councillor and staff function at the Duke's Inn planned last Friday evening," Mr Pollard said.
"We thought about cancelling, but went ahead in his honour and toasted him."
Two of Cr Head's main achievements included the Town of Northam and Shire of Northam merger which came to fruition on June 30, 2007, and the main street redevelopment which saw new footpaths, road narrowing and a kink near the Boulevard.
A keen gardener, Cr Head was also heavily involved with St John's.
"He was very strong in his views but was happy to take contrary opinion," Cr Pollard said.
"That was a great attribute, to argue his case and then carry on, to leave it on the field."
Last Wednesday, Cr Head went on a Northam Aeroclub plane ride over town.
"Ray loved Northam to bits and he was still very passionate everything he did was for the betterment of the town he lived in," Cr Pollard said.
"This was a fitting final flight."
Councillor Denis Beresford said although he had many differences of opinion during council debates, that was always left behind in the chambers.
"He was a long-time personal friend and Ray's contribution to council debates will be sadly missed," Cr Beresford said.
Cr Head was a member of the Avon Industrial Park Advisory Board, Avon Community Development Foundation and Chamber of Commerce boards.
Paul Tomlinson said Cr Head was an extraordinary man with boundless energy, dedication, and a true champion of Northam and its people.
"It is with profound shock and sadness we heard of the passing of long-time supporter, board member and friend Ray Head," Mr Tomlinson said.
"His contribution on our boards was considerable our love, strength and prayers are with his wife Julie and her family.
"Ray will be more than sorely missed."
Long-time friend and fellow councillor Rob Tinetti said Cr Head and his wife were the first friends they made when moving to Northam 30 years ago.
"They were like an adopted uncle and aunty to our children," Cr Tinetti said.
"I helped Ray with his election campaign when he was first elected; we've been friends 30 years and been on council together for a total of 12 years."
Cr Tinetti said the amalgamation was Cr Head's main passion.
"His dream would've been a City of Avon which included Northam, York, Toodyay and Goomalling," Cr Tinetti said.
"He was the most pro-active Northam person I have ever met and I have never seen a councillor work as hard as Ray did for the community."
Cr Head was 72 years old.
He is survived by Julie and children Raymond, David and Allison.
The funeral of Cr Head will be held at 11am, October 21 at the Bridgeley Community Centre followed by a burial at the Northam Cemetery.
