A legend and life member of the South Bendigo Athletic Club and Athletics Bendigo, who was still competing in field events until a few years ago, Nancarrow died after a short illness on Monday, January 17.

He was 85.

The tributes for Nancarrow were led by South Bendigo Athletics Club's Greg Hilson, who described him as 'a legend' of both the club and the wider athletics community.

Read more: Day to cherish for Manning family as three generations play in same team

"I joined the club in 1984 and Ron was around then and was a bit of a legend even back then. That reputation only grew with each year," he said.

"He became a life member of the club in the 80s and his kids were involved in the club.

"His son Trevor we all know as a champion race walker.

"He was certainly a part of the furniture at the club.

"Amazingly, he always had an eye problem - a hereditary eye disorder - so he always battled with his sight, but it never stopped him."

Hilson doubted anyone did more to promote the athletics club, taking his passion for South Bendigo to exceptional lengths.

"You would never see him wandering around town - even as late as a couple of weeks ago - without a red and white South Bendigo top on," he said.

"He wore one everywhere.

More news: Mitchell's baby joy, WNBL career with Bendigo Spirit on hold

"Ron used to work at Stoneman's in Pall Mall and he would always promote the club through there a little bit.

"He was out a few times during our last cross country season, which was great to see.

"No doubt it's a very sad time for the club and Ron's family and friends."

His legend continues to live on at South Bendigo through the Ron Nancarrow Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the cross country athlete of the year.

It was won last season by Moama's Archie Reid.

Nancarrow was a holder of a swag of centre and residential records during his days, most recently as the 80-plus hammer throw champion, setting a mark of 19.62m on March 4, 2017, at Flora Hill.

He also sets records in the 80-plus discus (16.46m) and shot put (7.56m) in 2017.

Other news: Teen pedestrian killed in Salisbury West fatal crash, investigation ongoing

Excelling in shot put, he set centre records in the 50-plus division with a throw of 10.10m in 1991 at Epsom, 60-plus in December 1996 at Epsom (10.10m) and 70-plus in December 2006 at Flora Hill (8.88m).

Nancarrow will be sadly missed by everybody in Bendigo athletics, including his long-time friendly rival, Eaglehawk's Geoff Major.

The two were often opponents in field events, even into their early 80s.

"I have known him since the South Bendigo Athletic Club started in 1967 ... I was never in the club, but I competed against him on the track," Major said.

"We were never that close, except through the athletics.

'And we organised things together through the Bendigo regional (athletics) centre - he was always heavily involved in that.

Read more:

"He was a bit of a stirrer, but he was a beauty. I always had a lot of time for him and looked forward to catching up or competing."

Acknowledging the eye-sight issues that plagued Nancarrow during his life, Major said they had been the subject of plenty of light-hearted and friendly banter between the two over the years.

"I used to say to him in the throwing events, gee Ron, you should have seen that one, it was a beauty," he said with a laugh.

"So he'd grab my hand and squeeze it and try to break it so I couldn't beat him the next time.

"We had a lot of fun together, Ron and I."

Hilson said watching Nancarrow and Major undergo a resurgence after entering their 80s was something that struck a chord with most athletes

Nancarrow is survived by his wife Margaret, their children Christine, Trevor and Linda, and grandchildren Joseph, Rebecca, Sarah, Elly and Baelea.

A thanksgiving service for Nancarrow will be held at the William Farmer Memorial Chapel, in Bendigo, on Friday at 2.30pm

A private burial will be held prior to the service.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: