Some are celebrities and some are quiet achievers within the community that go about doing what they can to make a difference in the lives of others.

One Southern Highlands man, Geoff Harvey, ticks both boxes.

No doubt some might question the quiet achiever reference - there is little doubt that Geoff could make his presence known.

He was an Australian icon in the entertainment industry - and much of what he did in that part of his life was far from quiet. The man, best known as the Midday Maestro on Channel 9's Midday Show, was not only an inspirational musician, he was a true character.

But as far as life in the Southern Highlands is concerned Geoff went about making incredibly valuable contributions in the community with very little fuss.

RELATED: TV musician Geoff Harvey dies, aged 83

He and wife Katrina, for several years, hosted a city versus country cricket match on their former property on the outskirts of Berrima to raise money for charity. The event saw Geoff's city friends - many in the entertainment industry - pit their skills against Highlanders and it was competitive but full of fun. The ultimate winner was always charity.

Geoff was also a familiar face at the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where he led the choir for many years.

His musical contributions to valuable community projects continued with his involvement with the Highlands Singers in more recent years. The Singers perform several times each year with a focus on raising funds for Can Assist.

But it was not just his talents and generosity that endeared Geoff to the people of the Highlands, it was his kind heart and roguish nature that was difficult not to appreciate.

READ ALSO: Geoff Harvey's first job

Music maestro ready to teach

Two special stories about Geoff quickly spring to mind for me, which occurred while my husband was doing some work on Geoff and Katrina's home.

My husband lost the the hubcap on his vehicle while driving to the couple's property for work one morning. Geoff was clearly concerned about the loss and decided to travel along the road until he found the missing piece. That was the kind heart of Geoff.

During that time Geoff was involved in a woodwork class in the Highlands. On one occasion he enlisted some assistance from my husband to complete a project. He went away for a short time and when he returned the project was completed. He was very grateful and proudly advised later that he got "top marks" for the project.

No doubt there are many people out there with wonderful stories to share about Geoff. If you would like to leave a tribute please do so here.

Just last August Geoff did the music for my dad's funeral and now he is gone. Very sad.

Let's not forget the amazing piano teacher Mr Harvey was to many students. He was my piano teacher for 7 years and I will never forget the many fun times I had in his studio.

He was gentle, caring and a great teacher. His passion for music will be something I will remember and treasure throughout the rest of my musical life.

RIP

You played piano at my husband's (Ted Springett) funeral service and at the end of the piece went into a raffish jazz riff that would have had Ted chuckling from some cloud. May you both show angels how it's done up there in The Great Concert In the Sky!

Geoff it was a privilege to know you, you are such a generous caring person, with those years of cricket at your place, to the pub and the concerts you held out at Parmy's Woolshed, I enjoyed working at those concerts, you were always up for a good joke and laugh, you will be missed but never forgotten. My heart goes out to Katrina and family.

Geoff put the "bang" into Channel 9! R.I.P.

The king is dead.

Whenever you hear his name you smile,enough said.

You always made me feel so beautiful Geoff. I will miss our afternoon drinks. Fly upon your Angels Wings.

Dearest Geoff. You have been a great friend, my private comedian and would always play tune for my birthday. Play that grand piano high in the sky and I'm sure I'll here it. Sending all my love Leianne.

Dear Geoff, I loved all the years we worked together, first on the Mike Walsh show and then with Ray Martin on The Midday Show. We had some fun times together. We shared our very British sense of humour, amongst other things! My love and condolences to Katrina and your beloved daughters. Vale Geoff XX

I was gatekeeper at ch.9 from 1988-1995 and saw Geoff on a daily basis. I found him to be a lovely, funny genuine man who loved nothing more than joking around. I would often ask to see his ID as he arrived for work and he would tell me in no uncertain words where to go. Sincere condolences to his beautiful wife, Katrina.

The song may have died but the melody will live on forever it will ripple for eternity love to your family xx Dad will look forward to catching up.

Geoff Harvey was the most generous soul, he was always there for me on my many performances on Midday, a real talent with a heart as big as they come, a legend that wont be forgotten, rest well buddy.

Now there is a new star in the sky.

Never forgotten. R.I.P you champion.

I only knew Geoff from Daytime TV. A brilliant musician and such a funny man. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.

Dear Geoff, your generosity, wit and beautiful musicality has kept the Highland Singers alive and well. It felt strange to be the conductor with you as the pianist ... should have been the other way round. Oh boy, did we have fun! You didn't hesitate to allow me to use your studio, and to teach some of your students when you were on tour. I feel blessed that I have had the privilege to work with you, drink with you, laugh with you. I will never forget you, and your wicked humour lives on!

Geoff Harvey.

The EDRUFC Thanks you for composing "Those Magnficient Men from EASTWOOD are here"

Shall never forget you, when living at Epping you invited Barry & I to come to dinner 1968/9 of course I did not know at the time you were going to ask me to start up Geoff Harvey's Record Collection at Carlingford Court WOW then you convinced me with playing one of my favourite pieces of the music MORE in your studio. How could I refuse, we had a lot of laughs. You also were blown away with the $$$. Your motto was "A can of Ale with every sale" A splendid, caring, family man a real legend, fabulous. Thank you for the memories. Sincere condolences to Katrina.

A great man, always embracing and with the joy of life. I have fond memories of Sunday afternoons at the Surveyor General and also playing for Geoff's 50th birthday and housewarming parties. Geoff was a very lovable character and a fabulous musician and band leader.

Wonderful memories of Geoff in the 70s and 80s at Channel 9 and the Bridgeview Hotel and a few very funny moments I can't possibly divulge... my sympathy for Katrina at this time and a few of the troops will raise our glasses to him in Sydney - often!

Geoff you are a reminder that we shared the best years in television.

Whenever we needed a music score for a Sixty Minute story you would compose a beautiful piece of music. You were a delight to work with and a gentleman. Sheer genius. You were also very unpolitically correct. Loved your sense humour and good fun. Louis is up there and so are you.

Thanks for all those wonderful moments.

May you hear music wherever you are.

I worked as a presenter, booth announcer, news reader, promo voice at TCN-9 for 10 years, but had only a few involvements with Geoff; all memorable. A marvelous musician, loved by many.

Vale Geoff Harvey, an illustrious musician and entertainer who delighted Australians down the years. A great performer yet he retained his modesty and rapport with people.

RIP to this amazing man that was Geoff Harvey. I met him several times when my brother and I were audience members of the Midday Show with Ray Martin. Geoff was very friendly and always had time for his fans. He will be sadly missed.

Geoff, thank you for looking after my son during his music career. Always there when the car broke down or inviting Declan to play during Christmas at '''Harvey's bar', even looking after him when he moved away. Alway with a sense of humour, even though Declan didn't get it. Love to your beautiful wife, Katrina. Always will be a part of our lives.

Thank you for introducing me to Jazz way back. Hope to see you on that slow boat to China with Desmond too...