Death of Mr. F. J. Ramsay

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 3, 4 January 1940, Page 7

Death of Mr. F. J. Ramsay

LEVIN CITIZEN OF MANY INTERESTS Although he had been in ill-health for a lengthy period, the death on Sunday, at the comparatively early age of 48 years, of Mr. Frederick James Ramsay, secretary-treasurer of the Horowhenua Power Board, and one of Levin’a most highly respected and prominent citizens, came as a severe shock to his relatives and many friends and caused profound regret throughout the community. Tho late Mr. Ramsay was born at Arrowtown, Central Otago, in 1892, and was educated at the Gore District High School. He joined the staff of the Gore Borough in 1907, remaining there until he was appointed town clerk of Balclutha in 1912. Except for three years when he saw active service in the Great War with the first New Zealand Expeditionary Force, the deceased gentleman occupied this position up to 1921, then removing to Levin as town clerk. It was in 1930 that he was appointed secretary-treasurer to the Horowhenua Electric Power Board, a position which he held at the time of his decease. He was one of the Dominion’s most capable local body executive offices and rendered signal service to electrical administration in the district. The loss the board suffers as a result of his passing is a very severe one indeed. • The late Mr. Ramsay’s more definite preference in his leisure hours lay in an intense love of native flora and fauna, and that interest was signified in his enthusiasm for tramping and tree planting. Tn the former connection the deceased gentleman was a foundation member of the Lcvin-Waiopehu Tramping Club and its flfst treasurer. Tn the pioneering work carried out in the Tararua Ranges following the club’s formation in 2927 ho took a leading and active part. Mr. Ramsay was also one of the small band of local citizens who throughout the years has perpetuated the high ideals of Arbor Day. So keen was the interest he displayed that his activities were not confined to the publiceremony alone. •Annually he would plant trees in the Waiopehu scenic reserve on liis own account and in the gardens surrounding his home. These will serve to perpetuate the memory of one of the diminishing number who esn appreciate the beauty of trees. The deceased was also nn ardent member of the Levin TTortictiltura! Society and the Levin nnd District Beautifying and at various periods occupied the secretaryship of those bodies. Tie wss also a leadin'* official of St. Andrew’s Presbvterinn Church, a prominent Freemason and nn enthusiastic angler. TTe s** survived hv his widow end sot>. Mr. Alistair Ramsav. Mr. 7?. W. IT. Ramsay, of Palmerston North, is a brother.