OBITUARY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 53, 13 February 1934, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR HECTOR MucKENZIE.

Napier in particular, aud the whole of Hawke’s Bay, suffered a severe l*ss ou Sunday, when Mr Hector Mackenzie, who for a great number of years had been a notable figure in the business aud social life of the province, died. Born in Invernesshire some 77 years ago, the late Mr Hector Mackenzie came to Napier while yet a young man, having prior to that been in South Africa. With a large-heartedness and an unflagging energy he associated himself with every progressive as well as every benevolent movement inaugurated in the town in which he made his home. He was a prime mover in the organising of the Brunner Mine Relief pageant and carnival, and in many other similar movements. With that pride of race which is so characteristic of Scotland’s sons, he was one of the founders of the Hawke’s Bay Highland Society, being a chieftain of the society from its inception right up to the time of his death. He was so intensely alive that he imbued those associated with him with the same ardent spirit of nationhood, and the same energy as himself, and it was in no small degree due to him that tho Hawke’s Bay Highland Society was for many years one of the leading Scottish societies of the Dominion, and the Hawke’s Bay Caledonian sports gatherings also amongst tho best of their kind in New Zealaud. His stalwart, upright figure, and dignified bearing was to be seen too, at any other Caledonian meetings in Hawke’s Bay, wherever held.

And if Hector Mackenzie was proud of his Scottish descent he gave Scotland reason to bo proud of numbering him amongst her sons.. He was a man w!io to know was to like and to esteem, for to a winning personality he united a high code of honour, a generous and tolerant spirit, and an integrity that was recognised by all who had the honour and pleasure of knowing him. His was one of those fine characters that typified the man, who was above the guinea’s stamp, and who was, in the words of his favourite bard, Burns, one of those honest men whom no king could make. For many years the late Mr Hector Mackenzie was foreman for Messrs Bull Bros., builders, and many fine works were carried out under his guidance. Later he entered into partnership with Mr Bae as builders, shop fitters, etc., and afterwards with Mr Walker (now of Walker and MCBeath) as partners in the building trade. He was also employed by the Government ns valuer in many cases, and also by private individuals and firms, for he was recognised as one of the best and fairest valuers of buildings in the district. But it was not alone through has as sociation with Scottish societies, or in business matters that he made friends. In private left his geniality, his great kindness and his never-faihng good humour endeared him to all, and he

will be mourned as few men are mourn ed, for he possessed those mnny estimable traits of character that would have made him out for distinction in any community. He was for a number of years a manager of Bt. Paul’s Pres byterian Church. He leaves a widow but no family, but to that sorrowing wife will go out the deep sympathy of a wide circle of friends resident in all parts of Hawke’s Bay. The funeral will leave his late residence, Raffles street, Napier, at 2.30 p.m. to-day for Park Island cemetery.