Word of Edgecock's death spread wider on Saturday morning via an email sent by Head to Tamworth City's database and titled "Terribly sad news".

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"He was just a bit of a larger than life figure ... he was a large part of a lot of people's lives," Head told the Leader.

Edgecock's death was a "terrible shock" and will leave a "huge void" in people's lives, Head said, adding that his mate was aged in his early 70s.

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Edgecock started as a first-grade lock at Tamworth City in the late '60s and finished his career as a reserve-grade prop at the club in the late 70s, Head said. He played in the Lions' 1976 reserve-grade premiership side.

He was a Lions life member and, Head said, an "incredible club stalwart" - someone who was "very popular within the club".

He had two children, David and Aaron, and was also a "loving grandfather".

Edgecock had "quite a lengthy" Group 4 refereeing career, Head continued, and was heavily involved in swimming and baseball in Tamworth because of his sons' participation in the sports.

"He was just a great supporter of all the things that his two boys did," Head said.

When the Lions merged with Wests in the '90s, Edgecock helped organise the annual Lions Old Boys reunion.

He worked as a steel salesman for years, Head said, adding: "He had a very, very strong following within that industry as well, right across the north-west of NSW."

Responding to Head's email, David Owen said: "Edgie would always cross the road if he saw you to say hi. A really funny character who would leave you with a smile on your face."

Vale Bob Edgecock.