Well known Angus breeder and supporter, Dennis Ginn, (70) has died.
Mr Ginn was the principal of Yancowinna Angus, Cape Patterson, for more than 30 years.
He and his wife Christine Gicque sold the last of their cattle in October last year after dispersing the stud in 2018.
The former Angus Australia chairman reformed the organisation a decade ago and boosted the profile of Angus in Australia.
After being diagnosed with Parkinson's 12 years ago, Mr Ginn was then developed mesothelioma.
Long-time friend and livestock agent Rod Draper said he had known Mr Ginn from the time he bought Yancowinna around 30 years ago.
He said Mr Ginn purchased a "chunk" of Yancowinna when it came on the market and proceeded to develop an Angus stud.
"He started with a few steers, but was determined to run a stud. I couldn't talk him out of it," Mr Draper said.
"He came to pastoral after working in local government locally, then insurance and then into real estate.
"We traveled to a few bull sales and I would select a bull and he would pin his ears back and buy it," Mr Draper said.
Another friend and local agent, Don Bowman, said Mr Ginn was astute and professional coming from real estate and that went through anything he was involved in.
Then came the passion for Angus cattle. "I actually bought the first steers he ever sold - Murray Greys," Mr Bowman said.
Mr Bowman said he also bought a fair run of the final consignment of steers that were sold in October.
He was a good listener. He just didn't buy any farm, he chose the property for its location and with a view of the ocean.
Angus Australia said Mr Ginn was a member for more than 30 years and contributed significantly to the development and marketing of the Angus breed and to the governance of the Society.
He was an active member of the Victorian State Committee for many years, and served as a Director on the Angus Australia Board from 2000 to 2007, including the role of President from 2004 to 2006.
Mr Ginn was also an enthusiastic supporter and key contributor to the starting of the Certified Australian Angus Beef (CAAB) brand.
He chaired the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) Consultative Committee from 2009 to 2016.
Mr Ginn is survived by his wife and son and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.