Many of us were saddened with the passing of Gordon McMaster OAM in April 2019.

[1]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.

Gordie 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.

[1] Stephen Burns, The Land, 24 April 2019 online