Mr Milgate died on Sunday, August 23, at age 92. He is survived by his wife Alma, children Colin, Phillip, Glenda, Wayne, Donna, Robyn, 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Mr Milgate's contribution to the community stemmed largely from his love of the Minyip-Murtoa football club.

He was a devoutly loyal Minyip man, playing in two premierships in 1952 and 1954, and later leading the club as president to three more premierships between 1989 and 1993.

He was also an instrumental part of Minyip and Murtoa's merge in 1995.

Mr Milgate's widow Alma said Dasher "lived for the club".

"He was marvellous all the work he used to do," she said.

"I didn't see much of him when he was the president of the footy club. He was away nearly every night of the week, chasing down players and organising things.

"On Saturday, he'd leave home at half-past seven to make sure everything was all ready.

"He would just do anything for you. For anybody that was around.

DASHER THROUGH THE ARCHIVES:

"Last year, we were still there nearly every weekend. Right from the word go, at around half-past nine, and we'd be there all day.

"I enjoyed it too, but he was totally wrapped up in it."

Mr Milgate is a life member at the Burras and was also granted 'Legend' status by the Wimmera Football League.

"He felt very proud of that when he got it from the league," Mrs Milgate said.

Mr Milgate was also named the Yarriambiack Shire Citizen of the Year in 2014 for his contribution to the community as a volunteer.

Mr and Mrs Milgate met in 1948, got engaged in 1953 and married in 1956.

Mrs Milgate said they were happily married for the next 63 years, living on a farm before moving into Minyip earlier this year.

"We only ever drifted about seven miles," Mrs Millgate said.

"He was a good husband. I've always loved him, so I will carry on loving him. "

Minyip-Murtoa president Scott Arnold said Mr Milgate's value to football in the region could not be overstated.

"Not just for our club, but for the whole league," Mr Arnold said.

"His contribution has been unmatched."

In honour of his impact, members of the community have been encouraged to release a blue, black or white balloon into the sky at 5pm on Saturday afternoon.

It provides a chance for the community to safely honour Mr Milgate within the COVID-19 guidelines.

Mrs Milgate said she was glad the community could pay their respects.

"It's marvellous what the girls have organised. Just beautiful," she said.

"It's just sad that this virus is around, because I guarantee there would have been thousands at his funeral.

"He was known everywhere, right across the area."

Mr Milgate's funeral service at the Minyip Recreation Reserve will be filmed and livestreamed online at www.fredcrouch.com.au.

The service will begin at 2:30pm and will also be able to be watched afterwards on the website.

"We are going to start the service at the time the football would begin, at 2:30pm," Mrs Milgate said.

"Then at 5pm let the balloons go," Mrs Millgate said.

"We can't do too much more for him right now, but he'd be proud to think of what the girls have done for him."

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