Mills, who was a long-serving administrator in both the thoroughbred and greyhound codes, died on February 1 after a short illness.
He was an enthusiastic follower of both racing codes and held a number of administrative roles in Otago racing clubs.
The Otago Greyhound Racing Club will run the John Mills Memorial Trophy in his memory this afternoon at Forbury Park.
Mills' association with the club started in the 1990s and he served terms as vice-presi-dent, secretary and kennel steward.
He also spent more than 20 years as one of the club's race field selectors, a role he fulfilled until his death.
Mills' contribution to the club culminated in him being awarded a life membership in 2011.
He was a man of great integrity that made a huge contribution to the club and he would be sorely missed, club manager John Carlyle said.
''He was a guy who was sort of head and shoulders above anyone else, in his character.''
Those character traits were particularly evident when fields for the club's meetings had to be selected.
''He would make sure everything was totally kosher and above board and you didn't leave yourself open to any sort of criticism or challenges.
''I valued his input immensely.''
Mills' professional background and his eye for detail saw him implement financial systems at the club in the 1990s that are still used today.
''He was very, very astute; he gave our club integrity.''
Mills would be missed not just for his administrative skills, but also as a friend to many in the wider racing industry as well, Carlyle said.
Mills was also involved in the administration of thoroughbred racing.
He was a familiar face at meetings across the South in his role as clerk of the scales.
In that role, he was highly respected among the racing fraternity, Otago Racing Club committee member and former New Zealand Thoroughbred chairman Murray Acklin said.
''He was a thorough gentleman.''
Mills weighed out jockeys for more 21 years before retiring from the position in 2014.
That saw him gain the utmost respect of the jockeys, Acklin said.
''He also spoke to them in a fatherly manner, especially those who were having weight problems and were frustrated.
''He offered advice that was always well thought through.''
Professionally, Mills worked for the Otago Area Health Board until his retirement in 1993.
He was also a long-serving justice of the peace.
The John Mills Memorial Trophy for class 4 and 5 greyhounds will be run with a stake of $4000 at 2.48pm today.
A moment's silence will be held before the race, and greyhound handlers will wear black armbands in further tribute to Mills.
-By Jonny Turner
