Sadly, due to the restrictions that were forced by the Covid pandemic, Bob did not receive the farewell that would have been fitting for the contribution he made to the Forbes community when he passed away in March last year.

So, this Sunday, many family members and friends will reflect on the life of a true gentleman who left behind a legacy that ensured that harness racing in the district continues today.

Robert's wife Rosemary worked alongside him both in their farming work and with the horses.

In fact, Rosemary did much of the race driving with the highlight being her win in a Lady Drivers Invitational at Orange on a horse trained by good family friend Steve Turnbull.

The Lees have seven daughters, and all have contributed to the sport in some way.

Second eldest daughter, Sue Nicholls, had bred and raced some horses with her Dad in more recent years including the mare Just Bobby Sue who in turn has produced the smart pacers Bobby Street and My Mels Place which are trained by her partner Mark Hewitt.

Oldest daughter, retired School Teacher Win and another daughter Sharon owns and operates Childcare Centres in Queensland were not "hands-on" with the horses but always gave their parents support and encouragement in the hobby.

Third born sibling Sally (Spence) for many years, ran the Canteen at the Forbes Trots, a facility which was regarded by Patrons as the best in the area.

The couple's youngest two, twins Angie Hodges and Jenny Sullivan, have continued the strong involvement in harness racing with their children being prominent participants in the industry.

Grandsons, Jason Gaffney, Braden, and Murry Sullivan are all successful trainer, drivers while their granddaughter Emma Gaffney is the hard working Secretary of the Forbes Harness Racing Club.

Bob was a much valued volunteer of the Forbes Club for more than 65 years which earned him Life Membership.

He and Rosemary (a Life Member as well) were also named Volunteers of the Year for their devotion to the sport.

Chief Operating Officer with Harness Racing NSW, Peter Carney spoke fondly of Bob when contacted this week about his connection with the sport.

"Bob was simply a lovely guy who I was proud to call a friend", said Mr Carney.

"His contribution to our industry goes without saying and the Forbes Club remains strong because of his family's hard work and dedication.

"My former colleague Dennis Declauzel and l enjoyed nothing more than getting out to Forbes each year for the race meetings, but more importantly to catch up with all the Lee family.

"We were honoured when receiving an invitation to Robert's 80th birthday and enjoyed a wonderful celebration in Forbes."

Right at the end of his training career at the age of 83, Robert created history by becoming the oldest registered trainer to land a winner.

His pacer, Sure What Ever, scored a 12 metre win at Dubbo on a cold and wet Sunday afternoon in August 2015.

Speaking on behalf of the family, daughter Jocelyn Stewart recalls growing up with her parents and sisters.

"We all agree that if we had life over again, we would not change a thing. Dad ad Mum taught us that hard work never hurt anyone and that you had to work for what you got," Jocelyn reflected proudly.

"Dad learned how to train horses from his Uncle, Eric Scott who had the handy pacer, Lorne Boy.

"He then gained his Driver's License on Swift Son and he and mum bred a good horse named Waitaki Ayr".

The Lees regularly had a handy pacer that they could take to the races including Balara Bill, Princess Reneta and Marooma General.

In more recent times, Catch A Tune performed well for them and at age 20 stills lives on the family property.

"They leased Balara Bill at first and then later bought him.

"He once held the Track Record at Orange, winning by a big margin and he died on our farm at the age of 30," Jocelyn recalled.

"Dad would let Sally and I work the horses back in those days and I loved it.

"We all got involved in helping out at the Trots, Dad and Mum had their jobs on the Committee and us girls would help out.

"Back in the day, the Club only had the one set of numbers and Mum was responsible for handing them out.

"We would run down and take the numbers off each runner before they were allowed out the gate.

"Then we would get them back to Mum so that she could hand them out for the next race," recalled Jocelyn who is currently the Forbes Harness Racing Club Treasurer.

Sunday's race meeting received strong nominations with full fields expected for the eight race program which is highlighted by the Bob Lee Memorial, the Forbes Diggers Cup, a Heat of the Club Menangle Country Series and qualifying heats of the Jack Honan Memorial.