Ken 'Dasher' Milgate to get a special send off by club and community

In honour of Mr Milgate's lifelong passion for the Minyip-Murtoa football club, community members across the region have been encouraged to release a blue, black or white balloon into the sky.

A COVID-safe funeral will be held for Mr Milgate's immediate family at the Minyip football oval, beginning at 2:30pm - the standard time for the first bounce of the senior football.

RELATED: Dasher remembered as a kind-hearted man

The siren will then ring out at 5pm, and people from across the Wimmera will release balloons into the air to pay their respects.

Mr Milgate's granddaughter Sharna Newell is the main organiser of the unique commemoration.

Ms Newell said it was the best way to farewell her grandfather under the circumstances.

"He was such a kind and generous community man, and I thought everyone from the club would be wanting to pay their respects and say goodbye," Ms Newell said.

"With COVID-restrictions, we thought this would be a good way for people to be involved."

Ms Newell said people could pick up balloons filled with helium from Elders Insurance in Horsham, the Minyip post office, or from a residence in Murtoa.

She said if people were interested in being involved, they could comment on a post on the Minyip-Murtoa Facebook group, then pick up the balloon from one of the three locations.

"People have been really glad they can pay their respects in some way," Ms Newell said.

Don't forget to read our tribute to Dasher.

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