Former NSW minister and Kogarah Mayor Brian Langton has been remembered by Chris Minns as a “friend and confidant” and a vocal advocate for his community.

The NSW Premier issued a statement on Tuesday saying he was deeply saddened by the loss of Mr Langton, whom he described as a “mighty representative of the Kogarah electorate and a lifelong local” in his community.

Mr Langton, who was born in 1948,  followed his father Joseph’s footsteps to become an Alderman for Kogarah Council in 1971, where he spent 12 years as a Councillor, and as Mayor from 1979-1980.

He was elected to the NSW lower house in 1983, marking the start of a 15-year parliamentary career.

He went on to serve as transport minister, tourism minister, fair trading minister and minister for emergency services in the Carr Labor Government.

Mr Langton was also a member of the NSW AFL Judiciary and president of St George AFL, and volunteered for the Wayside Chapel, Lifeline, Meals on Wheels and St Vincent De Paul.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, three daughters and seven grandchildren.