Kevin Oakman will have one last lap of the Wagga Showground greyhound circuit before being farewelled on Thursday.
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The respected Wagga trainer, who won the first race on the circuit in 1975, has been afforded a special tribute following his death on Saturday.
The 87-year-old was still involved in the industry, even training two winners last year, and he and wife of 63 years Barbara rarely missed a meeting at Wagga.
It was through his wife's family, the Blackburns, that his passion for greyhound racing blossomed and has continued through the generations.
Son Rod Oakman remembered his dedication to the sport, spanning almost seven decades.
"He was a very quiet, unassuming man but a very dedicated dog trainer," Oakman said. "He always had one that could win a race.
"He always got on well with the other trainers and liked to see everyone getting their fair share by winning a race.
"He liked to see quality fields where no one wins every week but when the dog draws the right box and stays out of trouble they usually win the race.
"They all take a turn about as it was so equal."
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Oakman was last on track when Tranquil Gypsy won for his son on March 5.
Afforded life membership of the Wagga Greyhound Club, current president and fellow life member John Jones recalled Oakman's strong work ethic.
"I've known him for over 40 years and he was 100 per cent true," Jones said.
"He was easy to get on with and would help anyone."
Oakman earned a place in history when Elvuka won the first race at the Showgrounds after the club moved from North Wagga.
In over his 60 years in the industry Oakman never managed to train a city winner, even though he bred and owned a multiple city winner.
"He never trained a city winner but trained thousands of winners in the bush," Rod Oakman said.
"He owned a city winner called Busy Secret probably 15 years ago.
"He sent her to Sydney to be trained where she won four or five at Wentworth Park and was in all the cup races but she wouldn't be the best dog he ever had."
Aristocrat Kid was probably the standout while Flash Cover was another strong performer.
The procession at Wagga Showground will be followed by a funeral service.
The graveside service will be held at the Wagga Lawn Cemetery at 11am on Thursday.
The Wagga Greyhound Club will run two races in his honour on Friday.
His son lines up in both of them with Tranquil Gypsy rated the better of the two hopes.
"She hasn't let us down yet so I don't see why this week will be any different," Rod Oakman said.
"She will be looking the winner at some point during the race."
Oakman is survived by wife Barbara, son Rod, three grandchildren, Kirsten, Letia and Chelsee, and his five great-grandchildren.