"He was a very humble guy."
He was also recognised for his contribution to the Angus stud world and agriculture more widely.
"He was the most respected man in the Angus stud world if not in agriculture generally."
Little said it was a huge loss, but the family would carry on his legacy.
Bayly nurtured a love of cattle in his grandson Max Tweedie, of Hallmark Stud - which was founded with stock from the original Cricklewood herd near Wairoa.
Tweedie said his grandfather was someone who "had time for everyone".
"He was a generous and humble man who contributed a lot."
A post on the Hallmark Stud Facebook page described him as: "a generous man who had a wonderful way with people and contributed significantly to farming and Angus cattle in New Zealand."