Obituary MR L. SIEGERT

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28371, 2 September 1957, Page 13

Obituary MR L. SIEGERT

The death occurred at Christchurch recently of Mr Laurence Siegert, of Fairlie. Mr Siegert had lived in the Mackenzie Country all his life and was connected with many organisations, particularly social bodies, about Fairlie. His friendly nature made for him a host of friends, young and old.

Born at Temuka in 1888, Mr Siegert was the fourth son of the late Julius and Margaret Siegert, of Fairlie. He received his education at Fairlie, and after leaving school he took up employment as a shepherd on Mount Nessing Station, Albury. After a period there, he took over the management of a property at Kimbell for Dr. Bowes. This farm later became the property of his father, and for a number of years “Poplar Downs,” as it is known today, was worked in partnership by father and son. After his marriage to Miss Julia Sheehan, younger daughter of the late Mr and Mrs D. Sheehan, of Fairlie, Mr Siegert took over the management of “Morley” at Allandale. About 10 years ago he returned to Kimbell to take over “Poplar Downs” again, in partnership with his brother Leo, and five years ago moved to live at Fairlie, but continued to operate the property until it was taken over last April by a nephew, Mr Peter Siegert Throughout his life Mr Siegert took an active part in the public and social life of the Fairlie district. In various ways he was interested in practically every organisation in the district, and his active support was valued by many Fairlie bodies. Particularly was he interested in organisations, sporting and social, which operated for the benefit of young people. Throughout his life Mr Siegert was a lover of horses, and in his younger days he was a successful competitor at shows and hunts in the Mackenzie Country. He was a staunch supporter of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.

Mr Siegert was predeceased by his wife 14 years ago, and he is survived by three sons—Mr George Siegert (Wellington), Squadron Leader Cyril Siegert (at present in London) and Mr lan Siegert (Fairlie). There are eight grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers—Mr Julius Siegert (Fairlie), Mr Leo Siegert (Fairlie), Mr Felix Siegert (Christchurch) and Mr James Siegert (Sydney)—and one sister —Mrs Mary Hoar (Auckland).