The honour was bestowed at the club's meeting on Wednesday at Bathurst Panthers Club.

President Richard Hurford said life membership is "the highest honour or tribute we can pay to a Probus member".

The club, which is 35 years old, has just two other life members, Alex Bedwell and Dick Crossing.

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Mr O'Neill joined the club in 1999, his membership proposed by Karl Bornemann and Ian Brewer.

He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the club's vice president in 2000 under president David Russell.

"It was something of a baptism of fire because I'd only been there for a month and all of sudden David had to have a serious heart operation and was away for two months," Mr O'Neill said.

"I asked what we would have to do and was told 'You'll have to fill in for the next two months."

Mr O'Neill clearly proved himself, as the following year he became the club's president.

He was the immediate past president in 2002 and intended to go back to being a general member after that, but instead was asked to take on the role of secretary.

He continued as secretary for 18 years until his retirement in 2020, but he has assured he will stay a member of Probus.

On Tuesday, he thanked the club and its members for their support over the last two decades.

"It has given me the opportunity to get to know many of you better than I would have and given me many happy experiences," he said.

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