Newspaper Article 1995 – Well-known farrier dies

Well-known farrier dies

A familiar figure in Otane and among horse-owners, Forbes William (“Forbie”), Minto died on Monday. He was 69.

Mr Minto was a life-long Otane resident and a third-generation member of the community.

From the age of 14, he spent his life as a farrier following in his father’s (Forbes Snr) footsteps.

Mr Minto served in the RNZAF in the Pacific as a member of ground crew, returning home to continue his occupation, until ill-health forced his retirement nine years ago.

As well as being a farrier, he was well known at country race meetings from Gisborne to Foxton as a plate inspector.

A keen rugby supporter, Mr Minto was a Ross Shield player in his youth and Central Hawke’s Bay rep.

He was a life member of the Farriers Association and the Otane Rugby Club.

Mr Minto was also a keen singer. In his childhood, he performed on the Uncle Ed and Gwen childrens’ radio programme in the 1930s [and 40s.]