We could scarcely have come from more different backgrounds, and on many issues we found ourselves at opposite ends of the political spectrum.

And yet from the moment I first spoke to him, Alby shook off any preconceptions I had about the type of man he was.

When Alby announced his plans to retire I was still a university journalist, and I eagerly put my hand up for the story thinking he wouldn’t have time for a young student.

To my surprise, after leaving a message Alby called me back for a long chat about his career, his family and his retirement plans.

It was immediately clear he did not care about his own importance but rather about the impact he’d had for his constituents.

“The people side of politics is more important to me than anything,” he told me.

He was adamant he would keep campaigning for rural people and issues, something his successor can vouch for.

But the one thing more important than that was spending time with those closest to him. He will be sorely missed by his wife Gloria and their wonderful extended family.

He will also be missed by the people he tirelessly fought for.

Alby wore his heart on his sleeve and didn’t worry about who he offended. He was fiercely opinionated and courageous, but also deeply compassionate.

He was one of the good ones.

By Harrison Vesey