Scotty, 39, as he was widely known, passed away after suffering a heart attack.

He is known throughout the Central West for his enormous impact on rugby league, his input stretching from the junior ranks right up to a representative level.

In his playing day’s Scotty was one of Group 10’s most feared forwards who enjoyed premiership success with the Penguins in 1994 and again in 1997, when he was captain coach.

Off the field he also made an enormous impact – in 2001 he took St Patricks to a premiership win, while also enjoying enormous success coaching in the representative field.

In addition to his major impact in rugby league circles Scotty, a Bathurst-based builder, owned his own business, Dave Scott Building, and was recognised as one of the best builders in the Central West.

In recent years he had also taken up training as a triathlete.

While revered in all circles relating to rugby league, those who knew him remember him as a devoted family man, someone who always had time to stop and talk, and a person who had an enormous impact on others.

One of Scotty’s best mates, local plumber and member of the Bathurst Wallabies Triathlon Club, Richard Hobson, yesterday said that anyone who knew Scotty knew him as a real character.“He was larger than life. Honestly he could have been a stand up comedian.

“He was just one of those charismatic people who really took command of a room.

“He’d walk in and take over. There weren’t many people who he didn’t warm to and who didn’t warm to him,” he said.

Mr Hobson said he, Scotty and a few others formed the triathlon club after another good friend, Dave Carroll, died two years ago.

It was named ‘Bathurst Wallabies’ in honour of Carroll, whose nickname was ‘Wal’.

“And Scotty was just getting back into it [training] again – he was on a mission. It [his death] was certainly not what anyone expected.”

Mr Hobson described Scotty as devoted husband and father.

“His family was his backbone.”

He also said Scotty was a great mate who was always there to lend a hand whenever it was needed.

Mr Hobson said after Dave Carroll’s unexpected death in December 2005, Scotty stepped up and in addition to running his own business, also played a big role managing Carroll’s business.

“If anyone needed his help he was there and he never expected anything in return.

“He was a legend bloke.”

Co-coach for the Raiders’ 2008 SG Ball Side and former Bathurst league identity Brad Donald could not agree more. He was friends with Scotty for over 11 years. Mr Donald said he was devastated by news of Scott’s passing.

“It’s just incomprehensible. I can’t believe it.”

Mr Donald saw Scotty last Monday, when the pair met at a Canberra training session at Cowra.

“I just can’t can’t get past it,” Donald said of the shocking news. “Scotty looked real good. Since he started doing his triathlons its the fittest he’s ever been.The last couple of years he looked great, far better then he ever did when he was playing [football].”

Mr Donald described Scott as a man with incredible talent who always made time for others.

“Scotty affected people in a way that he never realised. He was an excellent motivator for young men, he was inspirational, but I just don’t think he realised the impact he had on people, both on and off the field,” he said.

Mr Donald said Scotty’s family remained foremost in his mind at a time of such enormous loss.

“He was always incredibly proud of them,” he said.

Scotty is survived by his wife Liz and four sons Brodie 14, Campbell 12, James 11 and Jedd five.

Michael Lyons, from Renshaws Funeral Service, said yesterday Mrs Scott had requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to the National Heart Foundation. Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.