THE cattle industry is mourning the death of Paul Weidner following his sudden passing at his farm.
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Mr Weidner spent half a century in the cattle business and was both well known and well respected by those in the industry.
Kevin Corcoran of Corcoran Parker said he "couldn't find a single bad word to be said about the man".
The Weidner name is widely known in the industry.
"He probably inherited a bit of special talent from his father and uncles," Mr Corcoran said.
"They were recognised as one of the most successful families in the area.
"Everyone in the industry is shocked, very shocked.
"He was a wonderful person."
Mr Weidner, a married father of four, became a cattle buyer as soon as he finished school.
Family member David Weidner said he had travelled through much of the Victoria, and into the north of NSW buying cattle, before focusing on the Wodonga and Wagga regions in later years.
"For him it was cattle first, and cattle second," David said.
"That was about all he did.
"He was very passionate about the industry.
"He hardly ever took a holiday - only in the last few years did he start to take holidays.
"Going to a sale in Wodonga and Wagga was like going to church on a Sunday.
"He never wanted to miss a sale."
Mr Weidner attended Howlong Primary School then the Albury Grammar School, which later became Scots.
He had riverfront land at Howlong and had moved to the farming property at Norong only about six months ago.
"Everyone has been ringing up with condolences," David said.
"It's horrifying that it's happened.
"No-one was expecting it.
"It just a very big shock to the system.
"It's a shock to everyone in the livestock industry.
"He was a top fella.
"You couldn't ask for a better gentleman."
Mr Weidner had been working as a commission buyer, purchasing stock for local meat companies and feedlots.
Mr Corcoran said the 65-year-old had a skill at quickly judging livestock and knowing when to bid.
He dealt with all grades of cattle.
"He'd say hello to every person when he walked into a stockyard," Mr Corcoran said.
"There could be hundreds of people in there.
"He always had a jovial grin on his face."
He is survived by his wife, Fran, and children Jenny, Terry, Brenton and Susan.
