William John LAMBIE

   Research Notes:

"OBITUARY

MR W. J. LAMBIE

Possessing in a remarkable degree those qualities that go to make a first-class citizen, coupled with a very likeable personality and a reputation for uprightness in all his dealings, Mr William John Lambie, of Lakeside, whose death occurred at Leeston on Friday, enjoyed the warm regard of a host of friends throughout the Ellesmere county and far beyond its borders, all of whom feel a deep sense of personal loss by his passing. Although his health had given cause for some concern in the last two or three years, Mr Lambie appeared to be better than usual when he set out on Friday to deliver some produce to a store at Leeston. It was while engaged in unloading that he had a heart attack and collapsed. Some time elapsed before a doctor, who was visiting another part of the district, could be summoned, but soon after his arrival Mr Lambie was taken to hospital. He failed to rally, however, and passed away later the same day.

Sixty-seven years of age, Mr Lambie spent practically all his life in the Lakeside district. His parents, the late Mr and Mrs James Lambie, were among the earliest settlers and played a very prominent part in transforming what was, to a large extent, undrained swamp into highly productive farming land. Mr William Lambie was educated at the Lakeside School and at an early age decided to adopt farming as a career. He received a thorough training in all branches of agriculture on his father's property, and eventually acquired a holding of his own which he managed with conspicuous success, combining hard work with sound farming practice. In one way or another he was associated for many years with all district activities and was ever ready to lend his practical assistance to any movement for the welfare of the community. Various forms of sport had a good supporter in Mr Lambie, particularly in his younger days. His fine neighbourly qualities were known far and wide, for he was a man to whom anyone could go for advice or assistance of any kind, with the full assurance that it would be gladly given. Indeed, the finest testimonies to his sterling qualities come from those who had been his neighbours for many years. His death is regarded as a great loss to the whole community.

Mr Lambie married Miss Jane Tod, daughter of Mrs Tod and the late Mr David Tod, who were also among the very early settlers, and he is survived by his wife and a family of three sons and a daughter, who have the sympathy of a great many friends. One son, Hector, is serving overseas with the Air Force.

Some measure of the warm regard in which the late Mr Lambie was held was provided on Sunday afternoon, when, in spite of very wet weather, a large number of people from every part of the county assembled at the Ellesmere Cemetery, Leeston, where the internment took place. The service was taken by the Rev. L. McMaster, of Leeston Presbyterian Church, and the pallbearers were Messrs Robert and James Lambie (brothers), W. T. Lambie (son), D. Kemp (nephew), C. Tod (brother-in-law), and L. C. Lemon (a very old friend)..." ³

   Marriage Information:

William married Jane TOD, daughter of David TOD and Unknown, in 1910 in New Zealand ¹.