There will be many in the wool industry and those who breed Kelpie dogs who tonight will be saddened to hear of the death of Gordon Lindsay McMaster OAM this morning.
Gordie, as he was so affectionately known by many had been ill for only the past few months having suffered a heart attack before Christmas, and his death in Narrandera was peaceful.
A larger than life character, 'a legend before smoko', Gordie will be remembered for his exuberant approach to life: a behavior some thought was bombastic, but it will never be denied Gordie packed a lot into his 84 years.
As many have said today, he wanted all his life to be remembered for his contribution to the Merino industry and it is fair to say he did achieve that ambition.
A Churchill fellow, Gordie was forthright in his opinions and was never backward in advancing the cause of the Merino industry which passion no one will deny he carried on his sleeve.
It must also be acknowledged Gordie's contribution to the Kelpie working dog industry, having inherited the Wyreema Kelpie stud in 1964, the worlds oldest from his uncle Stanley McMaster.
But it was the Merino industry across Australia and around the world which most benefited from Gordie's enormous experience and dedication.
From the time he left school he wanted a career with Merino sheep, and although he did think at one time he might have made a name for himself as a drummer in a jazz band, jackarooing on Haddon Rig, Warren set him on the career path for which we now remember him.
- Gordie's life will be celebrated with a "Wake" at the Narrandera Race Club, Narrandera Racecourse, Racecourse Road, Narrandera (off Dalgety Street) Wednesday 8 May at 10.30 a.m.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart Research Institute through Les Watkins & Son Pty Ltd,funeral directors of Narrandera, phone 02 6959 2062 or a donation box will be available at the Race Club.