Newspaper Article 1963 – Obituary – Mr Hector J Smith

OBITUARY

Mr HECTOR J. SMITH

There passed away at Hastings yesterday in the person of Mr Hector John Smith one who has been closely associated with sheepfarming in Hawke’s Bay for many years.

Born at Elgin in Scotland 94 years ago, Mr Smith first came to New Zealand with his father, mother, three brothers and sister when the family were of tender years, and they settled in Napier.  Within 12 months both father and mother died here, and the five children were returned to Scotland where they were educated.

Later, on reaching manhood, Messrs Hector and Charles Smith returned to Hawke’s Bay and took up Olrig Station at Maraekakaho.  Though subdivided, this property has remained in the family to this day.

A number of years ago, Mr Smith retired to his well-known residence at “Ormlie,” near the Waiohiki golf links, and with his family took a prominent part in the social and sporting life of the community.  A foundation member of the Napier Golf Club, Mr Smith was an enthusiastic player for many years.  He was also a member of the Hawkes’ Bay Club.  Of a quiet and happy disposition, Mr Smith was widely read and, although he did not take active part in local affairs, was a great lover of Hawke’s Bay, its progress and development, particularly the advancement of sheepfarming in this province.

He was predeceased by his wife, a daughter of the late Mr Wm. Nelson, of Tomoana, one daughter, Olga, and a son, Ian, who made the supreme sacrifice in the last war, and leaves three daughters, Gretchen (Mrs W. L. Nelson, of Whakaramarumaru), Rachael [Rachel] (Mrs M. R. Renton, of Whanakino), and Miss Judith Smith, of Havelock North, to whom widespread sympathy will be extended in their bereavement.