John McDermott, one of Australia's most famous race-callers, died on Monday morning after a long battle with bone cancer.
McDermott, who was 75, retired from broadcasting in September, 2019, but was intent on continuing attending greyhound meetings with his brother-in-law, successful trainer Robert Howard.
"His wife Susan is my sister but perhaps because my dad died when I was nine years old, MACCA was like a father to me.
"Susan and John had plenty of success as trainers with very good greyhounds like Flying Kokomo, Betty's Choice, Our Zephyr and Our Talisman.''
Wentworth Park's on-course commentator and Sky broadcaster Tim Newbold said John McDermott enabled him to realise his ambition to become a race-caller.
Newbold said: "I grew up in Newcastle and John McDermott was one of my idols.
"When I turned 16 I wrote him a letter asking him how I could go about becoming a race-caller.
"MACCA rang me immediately and told me to meet him at Newcastle races, where he was to broadcast a thoroughbred meeting.
"In those days MACCA called all three codes and after I met him at Broadmeadow he invited me to join him at various greyhound tracks so I could learn the ropes.
"He was calling greyhound races at places like CESSNOCK, Singleton, Gosford and Maitland and at Newcastle horses he would let me practice in the booth next door to his broadcasting box.
"It wasn't long before John was letting me call a race or two at each meeting.
"MACCA was a gentle soul who was not inclined to get angry but I did see him 'fire up' once and that was when officials of one of the greyhound tracks objected to me calling a race.
"He really went to bat for me and their decision was reversed.
"I really owe my career to Johnny McDermott.''
John McDermott is survived by his wife Susan and daughter Kylie. They lost another daughter, Leanne, to cancer in 2004.
Greyhound Racing NSW wishes to pass on its sincere condolences to the relatives and many friends of John McDermott.
