Mr Handbury was well known for his philanthropic work which poured millions of dollars and countless hours into the community.

It was that work which in 2005 earned him, and his late wife Helen who had passed away the previous year, a Queen's Birthday honour.

They were appointed officers of the Order of Australia after also being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999.

His wife Helen was the eldest child of Sir Keith and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and sister to media entrepreneur Rupert Murdoch.

In 2005, Mr Handbury told The Standard that when the couple lived in Melbourne they didn't understand community until they moved to Balmoral in 1974 and got involved.

Over the years they helped fund numerous projects including at South West Healthcare, Peter's Project, the rescue helicopter, Warrnambool Coastguard, MPower building and seating at the Lighthouse Theatre and Warrnambool College.

Western Region Alcohol and Drug centre also paid tribute to Mr Handbury and said his legacy and kindness would always be remembered.

"His generosity gave support to those in need and we are forever grateful," WRAD said.

The Handbury Medical Suites are named in honour of Mr Handbury who WRAD said was its most charitable benefactor and one of Western Victoria's most generous philanthropists.

In 1997, the Handburys had bought the Hamilton abattoir in an effort to keep it open and retain 80 jobs in the town.

Mr Handbury was also the founding owner of the ACE Radio Network, and 3YB/Coast FM general manager Peter Headen led the tributes.

He said Mr Handbury passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Hamilton.

"A lot of people know him and what he's done but he was a true gentleman," Mr Headen said. "He was just a good fella for regional Victoria.

"The radio industry has lost a true gentleman today."

Mr Handbury and his wife had started ACE Radio in 1994 and saw the company expand to house 13 stations and one newspaper whilst he was at the helm.

"Geoff wore many hats in his life - sailor, naval officer, farmer, entrepreneur and businessman, importer and exporter, radio network owner and, more importantly, devoted husband, father and friend," Mr Headen said.

"Geoff was a devoted family man and philanthropist supporting many regional organisations and projects through the Geoff and Helen Handbury Foundation.

Mr Headen said Mr Handbury was a "treasured friend and mentor" to the management and would be remembered fondly.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan also paid tribute to Mr Handbury AO.

"I met Geoff Handbury when I was first elected as the member for Wannon nearly 10 years ago, and his friendship has been a great gift," Mr Tehan said.

"Geoff made an outstanding contribution to our nation. He served in the navy during World War II, was an entrepreneur who created jobs and he gave freely of his time to others.

"He embodied the best of us. Geoff was generous yet humble, providing support to people and organisations across Western Victoria without seeking the limelight.

"Geoff Handbury loved his local community like family. And boy did he love his family, particularly his late wife Helen, who was also a great Australian.

"We are richer for having known Geoff, and we celebrate a life well-lived.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Handbury family."

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