Sporting legend John Forbes dies, tributes flow in

John Forbes OAM was found dead on a property in Mitiamo, northern Victoria, about 9.30am Sunday.

Friends describe a man who always had time for others and worked endlessly for the good of the community.

Mr Forbes was instrumental in setting up the Blue Ribbon Foundation and fundraising to support public hospitals. He numbered some of Australia's best athletes among his close friends.

His collection of sporting memorabilia - amassed in part while working as a sponsorship manager for Puma for 22 years - forms the basis of the Rochester Sports' Museum's collection.

Mr Forbes still went to training at the Mitiamo Football Netball Club every Thursday, to eat tea with players, and was at every Saturday game.

Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, including from Former Victorian wicket-keeper and captain Darren Berry, who tweeted of Mr Forbes that he was, "a great friend and life mentor, above all else a truly remarkable man".

Close friend Alan Kealey said Mr Forbes was a great Australian, a country boy, and a family man. Mr Kealey said Mr Forbes always had others, and the community, at heart in his actions.

He remembers how Mr Forbes would ring him often during his fight with cancer, to say "Hang in there Al, you'll get through it".

It was part of a broader pattern. Mr Kealey said Mr Forbes would go out of his way to help anybody who was ill.

He remembered Mr Forbes' fundraising, which spanned everything from one of the first MRIs in a Victorian hospital, to an annual lunch for the Echuca hospital.

The former manager of the North Melbourne Giants, Mr Kealey recalled how Mr Forbes suggested they hold a fundraising basketball game in the wake of the murders of police officers Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre.

Mr Kealey said it raised $88,000 dollars in just one night, which was later used to set up the Blue Ribbon Foundation.

He remembered Mr Forbes' wife Faye as an unbelievable support during that time.

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Mr Kealey said you could fill a book with the people Mr Forbes' had helped in his lifetime.

"The number of people who recognise John Forbes for what he'd done. I just know no-one else who touched so many people," Mr Kealey said.

"It didn't matter where you went, there'd be stars around the country, whether it be football or cricket, basketball, he would help. It was just outstanding what he used to do."

Bendigo Sports Star Awards chair Michael McKern remembered Mr Forbes as knowledgeable, full of wisdom, and always up for a chat.

He recalled long-lasting applause when Mr Forbes received the Faith Leach Achievement Award, saying it was a fantastic tribute to a fantastic man.

"[John] always had plenty of time for everyone. Time wasn't an issue with John, he was just always supportive, making sure everyone else was looked after," Mr McKern said.

"He was always there, he was always willing to help, always willing to contribute, always willing to give to his community.

"Everyone knows John Forbes, everyone knows what he did. I'm sure that everyone will sadly miss John."

Rochester Sports Museum project committee secretary Bob Knight said the museum's more thousands of pieces would stand as a legacy to Mr Forbes' passion.

Mr Knight said everyone who walked into the museum said, "Wow, we never expected this", in reaction to the personal memorabilia given to Mr Forbes by sports stars, in appreciation of his work.

Old friend of Mr Forbes Ken Hynes said he was always very outgoing, fun-loving and casual, with a great sense of humor.

About 10 years younger than Mr Forbes, Mr Hynes has known him all his life.

He said the establishment of what is now the Blue Ribbon Foundation would probably be Mr Forbes' greatest legacy.

"John was a very loyal and committed person, he had such love for his family and friends and community," Mr Hynes said.

"He was just a very special Australian and a loyal friend. Forbesy, we thank you for just being you."