Mr Stone coached children's athletics for more than 33 years, and saw the club win more than 80 medals in racewalking, middle and long distance running.

His widow Gwen said her husband never missed a training session. ``He'd be there in the rain or the sweltering heat. I didn't mind him being there all the time because it made him so happy, doing what he loved.''

Mrs Stone said: ``He was such a loving father and husband and never wanted people to make a fuss over him.''

Throughout his career, Mr Stone coached many athletes to state, national and world titles success.

Family friend and mother of three, Jenny Anestoudis, said Mr Stone was a hero in her sons' eyes.

``Right before Kevin died, my youngest visited him in hospital,'' she said.

He told my son, ``This year is an important one for you. Train hard, and I'll be there alongside you when you race.'' ``This was the kind of man every mother wants her children to grow up around.''

Mrs Anestoudis said Nepean Little Athletics hoped to change the name of the oval where Mr Stone worked from Blair Oval to Kevin Stone Oval.

``Everybody loved him,'' she said. ``At his wake, everyone had a funny or moving story to tell about how Kevin had touched their lives. It was lovely.''

In an interview with the Star a year ago, Mr Stone said he had no plans to retire. ``I'll keep going for a little while yet,'' he said. ``I've got a few stars coming through the ranks.''

Mr Stone's happiest moments were seeing his students do well.

``Seeing them do a personal best time is just as good as them winning a medal,'' he said. ``It makes coaching worthwhile.''