UPDATE: Public service for Alby Schultz to be held in Cootamundra on Tuesday

After the public service, the cortege will proceed to the Cootamundra Lawn Cemetery where the former Federal Member for Hume will be interred.

At the conclusion of the service, friends are invited to the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s and Citizens Memorial Club to share memories, stories and light refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the church to Kolling Institute Cancer Research.

PREVIOUSLY: Following a long and courageous battle with cancer, former Federal Member for Hume Alby Schultz has died.

The former Cootamundra Shire Councillor and State Member for Burrinjuck passed away on Tuesday surrounded by his wife Gloria and sons Grant and Dean.

A political veteran of 25 years, the 76-year-old battled prostate cancer, four tumours in his liver and another at the base of his throat.

His family have thanked his medical team and asked for people to respect their privacy in a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon.

"Alby was deeply appreciative of the professionalism and compassion extended to him by the nurses and staff of Cootamundra and the North Shore Private and North Shore Public Hospitals," they said.

"Special thanks in particular go to Dr Willie Offermeier and Professor Stephen Clarke and his team. Funeral arrangements will follow with the service and funeral to be held in Cootamundra."

Current Member for Hume Angus Taylor has paid tribute to Alby Schultz following the news of his passing today in Cootamundra.

"As the longest serving member of the Federal electorate of Hume, Alby Schultz will be remembered for his extraordinary service to the people of our region, his towering strength of character and his great, great love of his family and his country.

"When I spoke to Alby a few weeks ago, he was, as always, talking about helping people, particularly those without a voice. This time it was how we could help men with prostate cancer in the Riverina area. He was trying to solve problems right to the end. Despite his sickness, he would only reluctantly talk about himself.

"He gained energy from helping others, that enormous energy for which he is so well known. As I have moved around the electorate, I hear from so many people about the help he gave them.

"I first met Alby in Parliament House in Canberra, with NSW Senator Bill Heffernan. He was a straight shooter. You knew exactly where you stood with him and I guess, in many ways, he reflected the values and characteristics of my own father. He asked for loyalty, but he gave it as well.

"He was a genuine conviction politician and I think that’s the highest compliment you can give anyone in this business.

"Alby’s unrelenting strength was clearly demonstrated through his long battle with cancer. Whatever the expert medical predictions, he was always beating them. He was as tough as boot leather, but with an underlying gentleness that not everyone saw.

"My deepest sympathy goes to Alby’s wonderful wife Glo, who Alby acknowledged was so central to his effectiveness as a representative, also to his children Grant and Dean, their partners Bec and Dev, and his five grandchildren.

"I know many people will want to pay their respects to Alby. There will be condolence books at my electorate offices in Cowra and Goulburn, as well as at my Parliament House office in Canberra. I invite any and all members of the public who wish to express their sympathy to the Schultz family or share their memories of Alby, to please feel very welcome to do so."

Many have taken to Twitter to pay their respects to the former abattoir worker and politician. 

In a Facebook post, Mr Schultz's son Grant said his father quietly passed away on Tuesday surrounded by family.

"Today I said goodbye to a great man, a wonderful father and loving grandfather," he said.

"He fought to the last minute. It was only when Mum, Dean and I were there he decided his time had come. He left with grace and dignity on his terms."