In paying tribute to their parents' enduring love for each other, their unselfish generosity and great sense of community, the family want to thank first responders - both civilians and emergency services - who were confronted with the traumatic scene.

Ron, aged 80, and Robyn, 77, who had enjoyed 16 fabulous years since retiring to their Salamander Bay home in 2004, passed away when their car was involved in a collision with another vehicle at the roundabout intersection of Soldiers Point Road and Port Stephens Drive at around 2pm last Wednesday. The driver of the second vehicle was taken to hospital for mandatory blood testing and police investigations into the crash are continuing.

Speaking to the Examiner the family said that news of the accident for all three siblings - sister Leanne and brothers Neil and David - had been "beyond shocking".

As they also said: "We would have never in a million years thought we would lose them together in this way ... but it is a comforting thought that they were together in death as they were in life for nearly six decades."

They were grateful that each of them had respectively been able to speak with their parents just recently and tell their mum and dad that they loved them.

"Dad was getting a little frail but the two of them had remained very active in the Port Stephens community since moving there, including almost daily lunches at Soldiers Point Bowling Club, who will be doing their own tribute and enjoying the company of friends. They loved the bay and community and were loved by so many. Mum was an active member of Probus, including a period as president.

Ron and Robyn met in 1961 at the Commonwealth Bank, where they were both employed.

The couple married in 1963, settled in Sydney and had three children [plus nine grandchildren]. There was also a three-year stint in Hong Kong which meant this became a place they loved to visit often, most especially because Robyn loved nothing more than to shop for a bargain.

Having moved to Salamander Bay in 2004, Ron and Robyn settled into retirement life by becoming actively involved in the local community and continuing their home life interests and passions.

The family said that Ron had a wonderful sense of humour, always loving to tease, he was rather pragmatic and loved to tinker ... he was a real craftsman. Robyn was the more social type who enjoyed attending Probus outings, loved snagging a bargain and prolifically reading crime novels. She was kind and generous with a big heart and dedicated her life to her family.

they added: "Dad also loved the outdoors and fossicking, as a kid we would take many camping trips. Mum also loved outdoors being a keen gardener but most of all they enjoyed each other's company and very much loved their children and grandchildren."

They will be sorely missed by many.

The family said that a celebration of the life of Ron and Robyn would be held at the appropriate time.