Remembering Graeme McKenzie - a family man, farmer, and rugby and racing enthusiast
Damian McKenzie's try in Saturday's game against Italy at the Rugby World Cup would have meant a lot to him and his family in what has been a sad week for them with the passing of his grandfather.
Jamie Searle is a long-time Southland racing reporter. For more of his work check out the Southland Thoroughbreds Facebook page.
Alongside family life, Graeme McKenzie operated a successful dairy farm and had a strong involvement in rugby and racing.
The well-known Southlander died at Rowena Jackson Retirement Village in Invercargill last Tuesday. He was 89.
He and wife Lorraine farmed at Seaward Downs and raised four children - Gordon, Grant, Brent and Lynne.
Graeme played rugby for Southland in the 1950s and was a staunch supporter of the Woodlands Rugby Club. He coached the club's premier division team, served as president and was a life member.
Club committeeman and life member Alan Duff said Graeme was passionate about rugby, intelligent and very loyal to the club.
Graeme's sons Grant, Gordon and Brent were also Southland rugby representatives, along with Graeme's grandson, Marty.
Graeme's daughter, Lynne, represented and captained Southland at netball.
Another of Graeme's grandsons, Damian, plays for Waikato and the Chiefs and is now an All Black.
Damian's try in Saturday's game against Italy at the Rugby World Cup would have meant a lot to him and his family in what has been a sad week for them with the passing of his grandfather.
As a racehorse owner, Graeme had big race success with Glenturret (1991 John Grigg Stakes), Star Rapier (Wyndham Cups in 1990 and 1988), Gay Musketeer (1989 Waikouaiti Cup) and The Meista (2010 Timaru Cup, 2009 Canterbury Gold Cup).
Rex Cochrane trained Glenturret, Star Rapier and Gay Musketeer at Gore.
"Graeme was a very good owner and became a very good friend," Rex said on Saturday.
The pair and other owners in the stable would go away on fishing trips to Te Anau, Rex added.
Winton trainer John Phillips worked for Rex in the 1980s when Graeme's horses were in the stable.
"Graeme was a good owner, very passionate about his horses," John said.
Graeme had horses in Rex's stable at the same time as other prominent owners Henry Ruddenklau, Blair Vickery and Kelly English, John said.
"They were a good bunch of owners."
After Rex retired Graeme also had racing success with trainers Brian and Shane Anderton at Wingatui and Ross Beckett at Riccarton.
Graeme was a life member and past president of the Wyndham Racing Club.
Graeme's funeral is on Tuesday at 1.30pm at The Avenal Park Funeral Home, 75 Fox St, Invercargill.