One of Canberra's most beloved Catholics, Pat Power , has died at the age of 83.

A true man of the people, Bishop Power was named Canberran of the Year in 2009; he was a man of the common touch - deeply tolerant and unfailingly kind, he made a point of welcoming all groups to his church.

Fellow priest and long-term friend Monsignor John Woods at South Belconnen Parish said was also humble, self-effacing, had a good sense of humour and "didn't mind a game of cards".

He said he last spoke to Bishop Power just a few days ago at Southern Cross Campbell Residential Care.

"He said, 'I'm ready to die'," he said.

"I saw him last night - he was unconscious, but he was aware of his circumstance, and he was open, and he wasn't afraid of death, that's for sure."

Although he was a passionate su

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