A 16-year veteran of the council, Cr Ritchie was described as an "outstanding" representative and advocate for residents, while Kogarah mayor Nickolas Varvaris said he was a valued member of the council.

"During my 12 years at council, Colin became a close personal friend who I always looked to for advice. That relationship will be dearly missed", Cr Varvaris said.

"Despite his failing health in recent times, Colin never once complained, continuing to carry out his role with his usual good-natured laugh and a joke."

Deputy mayor and one of Cr Ritchie's fellow west ward councillors, Jacinta Petroni, said his passing was "a big loss".

"He does leave a big hole," she said.

"He was a great resource, a great person to ask about things, whether it was an event or an issue that has gone on in the community.

"He really did try to achieve the best that he possibly could."

West ward councillor Mark Coure said he first met Cr Ritchie in 1995.

"I've had contact with Col Ritchie for many years as a resident, a councillor and sitting MP," he said.

"Col has done an outstanding job as chair of council's traffic committee for most of that time."

Cr Ritchie's funeral will be held 12.30pm Thursday at the Anglican Church of St Simon and St Jude, Bowral.Cr Ritchie is survived by his wife, Gai, three children and eight grandchildren.

He was 76.

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