It led to him realising how much potential was on offer in country leagues and a long-term recruiting affinity with the Corryong area.

Kerry and Shocker were responsible for recruiting Ernie Whitehead, Michael Garvey, Jon Collins, Craig McKimmie, David and Shane Turner, David Greenhill, Chiltern’s John “Rowdy” Lappin, Neville and Paul Nugent.

The list goes on and on, with the occasional funny incident in their travels.

Shocker cannot stand scones, jam and cream and that was on offer when they fronted at Ernie Whitehead’s parents’ home in a bid to entice his signature.

It was explained by Shocker in the absence of Whitehead and his mother that he would possibly become physically ill if he had some.

Kerry’s response was: “Shut up and eat it, otherwise we won’t get his signature.”

It was Kerry and Shocker who managed to get Col Trevaskis as coach for 1984 and 1985 after going to his North Albury home to check whether he was interested in taking up the position.

Strangely, Kerry has never received a life membership for all his efforts with the Bulldogs stretching over almost 40 years.

There are many stories about Kerry’s loyalty to Richmond.

On one occasion, he bet Shocker and Hedley, arguably Wodonga’s most ardent Essendon supporters, a slab each on a big clash between the two teams.

The Bombers romped home and Kerry was a little slow with the payment.

So Hedley and Shocker stood at the back entrance to Mahony’s newsagency and started singing the Bombers’ theme song at the top of their voices, disrupting shoppers.

Kerry tried unsuccessfully to move them on and finally agreed to take them to a nearby supermarket to collect their winnings.

Then, with slabs in arms, the pair gave a rendition of the theme song for all shoppers in the supermarket.

There is no doubt many similar stories about Kerry will be told at his wake on Monday.

Fittingly, it will be held at Wodonga Bowling Club where one of the greens is named after his father, Denis, for his huge contribution to the club.

Farewell, old friend.