“Her death was unexpected and I was far from prepared for it,” he said.

“Even though I was approaching my 79th birthday and Wilga was three weeks from her 83rd, we felt we still had a chance to enjoy what had already become the best time of our lives.”

Kevin and Wilga met in her home town of Delegate more than a decade ago and the two, who had both previously been married and had children, quickly formed a special bond.

They lived together in Ulladulla for more than 10 years and Kevin said his “best friend” quickly made an impression on other local residents, including members of the Catholic Women’s League.

“Wilga was exceptional - so many people recognised her goodness, her welcoming manner, her ease in friendships and the exemplary way she lived her life,” he said.

Wilga grew up in Bombala and was schooled in Goulburn before marrying and raising six sons in Delegate, in the Monaro region where she lived for 50 years.

An active member of her community and keen sportswoman, Wilga played and later coached tennis and netball and was made a life member of the Bombala Netball Club.

She campaigned for health facilities and was instrumental in the establishment of the small Delegate Hospital.

Wilga also enjoyed fundraising and catering for the campdrafting competitions and country shows in the Delegate and Bombala region.

Kevin said his partner was a revered pianist and organist and often played in the Ulladulla Catholic Church.

Hundreds attended her funeral on June 19 at St Matthews Catholic Church in Canberra, a testament to her popularity.

Following her death, Wilga’s family and friends said it was obvious how much the coupled cared for each other, according to Kevin.

“She was the love of my life and I adored her,” he said.

“We were so good for each other and I wanted it to last forever.”