Popular Gippsland greyhound racing stalwart Raymond Keating passed away peacefully last Monday in Central Wellington Hospital, aged 75. He had endured a lengthy battle with stomach cancer.

A former unit manager at Fulham Prison, Keating was a devoted family man with a passion for greyhound racing.

Keating raced Mickie Keato (a finalist in the 2010 G1 National Distance Championship and 2010 G1 Bold Trease Carnival Cup) and Manna Keato (2009 G3 DDC Launching Pad finalist) from the first litter he bred out of Princess Dreams. He also enjoyed success with the progeny of brood matron She’s Bossy.

Sale GRC president Les Hughes said Keating was “straight up and down but a really nice man, and a dab hand with a greyhound”.

And the club’s senior vice-president, Ron Healey, echoed Hughes’ sentiments, adding “Ray was a thorough gentleman, a real nice bloke”.

Stratford trainer Michael Clohesy paid a glowing tribute to his close friend.

“I first met Ray when I was a correctional officer at Fulham Prison. He was my boss for five years,” Clohesy said. “He was loyal to anyone that was loyal to him.”

Clohesy added that Keating also introduced him to greyhound racing.

“We became mates through the dogs, and he was a real mentor to me in the sport. Whatever he took on he strived to be the best at.”

Keating leaves behind wife Phyllis and children Jason, Clinton, Sharron and David, along with eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Keating’s funeral service will be held in the Geoff Rossetti Chapel at Sale Lawn Cemetery at 11am on Monday, November 23. A wake will follow in the ‘Winning Post Function Room’ at Sale GRC.