He commentated on rugby for 26 years and cricket for 40 before retiring in 1992.
Within moments of tuning in to one of his cricket broadcasts, the listener would know what the score was, who was batting, who was bowling, where the ball had been hit and who had fielded it.
It was an era when professional broadcasters were valued.
He died on Sunday morning, aged 98.
His son, Garth Gallaway, delivered a eulogy for his father at his funeral service at St Paul’s Cathedral in Dunedin yesterday.
He gave an insight into the man behind the microphone.
He spoke of a "thoroughly decent man" who had a good sense of humour, a caring
nature and solid values.
His preparation and attention to detail were meticulous.
Iain Gallaway also loved his routine. Most weekday mornings were the same.
"He would descend the stairs in his dressing gown with his radio blaring on Newstalk ZB ... and sit at the table reading the Otago Daily Times," he said.
"We knew better than to interrupt him."
Mr Gallaway also spoke of his father’s sense of occasion and mentioned how pleased he would have been to have such a large crowd pay their final respects. St Paul’s was full.
"He wrote his funeral plans 40 years ago. I think he always wanted something sombre and magnificent which he could look over."
The service was certainly that.
All Dunedin premier club rugby games today will observe a minute’s silence before kick-off to acknowledge his death.
