Mr Keast was recently honoured with a life membership of the Agricultural Societies Council (ASC) for his work with the organisation.

"What I really admired about him, Pat never ever forgot where his roots went down in the show movement," Junee Show Society president Peter Commens said.

Mr Commens said Mr Keast would be missed by the community and his colleagues in the show society.

Mr Commens said the amount of work done by Mr Keast ahead of show day was still being realised.

Councillor Lola Cummins said Mr Keast made an enormous contribution to the community through agriculture and agricultural shows.

"He'll be missed in the community," she said.

"One of the things that he did was to bring ideas for Junee to try.

"Even though he might have been operating at a much broader level with the ASC, he was still very hands on at the grassroots level.

"I'd start at the (Junee Show) gate early in the morning and you'd see him at the ring working, I wouldn't leave until late and Pat would still be working."

Illabo Show Society president David Carter said Mr Keast's death was sad loss.

"His commitment to show work was unparalleled with the tireless hours he committed to the movement," he said.

"The Illabo Show Society is thankful for the support that he has given us over the years and we feel the loss with his passing."

Showground Trust chairman Martin Honner said Mr Keast was a "true gentleman" who had a wealth of knowledge.

"He was a real champion for the promotion of country shows," Mr Honner said.

"He's similarly regarded in Temora and many shows around the Riverina.

"He was a link between the show society and the Showmans Guild - there's a lot of diplomacy needed keeping both camps happy."

Mr Honner said it would take a few people to fill in for Mr Keast.

Mr Keast's funeral will be held on Friday at 11am at the St Joseph's Church.