WHAT was originally supposed to be a two year teaching stint in an unfamiliar and daunting environment turned into a 42-year old love affair with the Proserpine community.

Rob and Sandy Nicholls arrived from the British Isles of Columbia in Canada, where they were used to temperatures in the -20 degree range until they dived head first into tropical North Queensland in 1975 after Rob was offered a teaching contract at Proserpine State High School.

Close friend and long-term former PSHS teacher Larraine Biggs said it wasn't all smooth sailing for the couple as they began their journey in uncharted territory, which was constantly inundated with wild wet weather.

"They didn't put Proserpine down as their preferred area, but there was a resignation so Rob was offered a job up here," Ms Biggs said.

"Rob asked the people in Education Queensland what Sandy could do? They said she could strip sugar cane and he wasn't impressed.

"Sandy wasn't keen and thought she would be home by Christmas."

Despite the early hardship, Sandy said it was the spirit of a thriving community which turned things around, giving them a reason to call Proserpine home ever since.

And it is these wonderful people she paid tribute to, as the Nichols family embark on the final chapter of their lives in Ballarat.

"I will miss the people, they are just wonderful, warm and accepting. Even when we (first) came to Proserpine without pots or pans they found supplies and helped us so much. You don't get that everywhere," she said.

Sandy took on a new role as a science lab assistant at PSHS as she settled into the town, while Rob, as an accomplished author, artist an basket baller left a lasting impact on thousands of ex students which he has fond memories of.

"When it comes to highlights...as a teacher it goes back to the students, there were always the good, impressive, bright and innovative kids every year which were wonderful to deal with," Rob said.

Rob and Sandy juggled their careers with an active contribution to the community

Sandy was involved in the school choir and and was on the Proserpine Entertainment Centre committee, while Rob worked tirelessly behind the scenes as vice-President of the Proserpine Museum among other roles.

Ms Biggs reflected on the character of these two giants, who now consider Proserpine and Australia to be their home.

"Sandy has a very engaging smile, she is always cheery when you see her and that's what we will miss," she said.

"Rob is just a quiet and unassuming person who gets on with the job effectively, he is an extremely modest person and the community will miss his talent."