Arthur Berridge

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 476, 9 March 1993, Page 9

Arthur Berridge

A month has passed since the sudden death of Raetihi identity, Arthur Berridge and the community still feels the loss of one of its leading figures. Born in Wanganui in late 1924, the son of a bank manager, Arthur began his education at Kaitaia School, later spending the balance of his primary school days between Taihape and Waverley. He completed his secondary education in Taihape and began an electrical apprenticeship, completed in the Air Force which he entered in 1942. After military service, he came to Ohakune and opened an electrician's and retail store, during which time he met his wife Betty and they began their family. As he lived in Raetihi, it was the natural move to open his store in Raetihi in 1971, later to specialize in repairs, refrigeration and heating work. He was in business in the Waimarino for a total of 47 years. As well as being president of the Raetihi RSA, he took an active interest

in community matters, serving as president of the Rotary club in 1980 and acting as secretary from 1983 until just prior to his death. He was a keen golfer. His interest in squash saw him begin the fund-raising that eventually led to the construction of the Raetihi Squash Club's facilities in Grey Street. One of his great passions was hunting, a love of which his sons share. Arthur gave them regular rifle safety drill and they bagged many fine pigs over the years. Arthur Berridge will be remembered in Raetihi and Ohakune as one of the 'good blokes'.