The 82-year-old unfortunately passed away this month before seeing the club he was instrumental in helping establish reach the milestone of 30-years.

Paul was a master craftsman, particularly in the restoration of older vehicles.

Apart from his own, one of the many vehicles he waved his magic-wand over was Ulladulla Funeral Services' 1927 Chevrolet Hearse.

When principals Simon & Kaleen Law purchased the old hearse back in 2001 it was in need of restoration. Knowing of Paul's reputation Simon asked him to bring the old girl back to her former glory.

Mind you this wasn't just any regular run of the mill hearse - it had carried Dame Nellie Melba in her funeral cortege on February 27, 1931 in Melbourne and was also used by Movietone in the production of the film Par Lap.

The restoration was a five-year journey, with Paul meticulously refurbishing many components and completely restoring others from the 70 odd years of wear and tear.

Whilst using his expertise to recreate (duplicate) any part made of wood, he always weighed up the options, wanting to take the correct course of action by keeping as much of the vehicle's originality as possible. If the components in question were able to be brought back to life, they were.

When the five-year journey came to an end, Simon came to collect Nellie (obviously named after Nellie Melba)

Paul made one stipulation - that he was to be the first to ride in the back when the restoration was complete.

He handed Simon a non-safety component and said the hearse wouldn't be complete until that piece was fitted, and Simon was to fit it on the day of his funeral.

They shook hands on the deal. That day later arrived. Paul's coffin was loaded into the back of Nellie on November 11, 2020.

Nellie conveyed Paul to the Ulladulla Civic Centre in order to celebrate his life with all his friends.