Former mayor and ‘man for all’ dies
"Malcolm was always willing to listen and help..." Nathan Guy
Former Horowhenua mayor Malcolm Guy, who ‘‘touched many people’s lives’’ in the district, has died.
Guy, 80, died on on Saturday. He is survived by his wife Betty and sons Christopher Guy and and Minister for Primary Industries and Civil Defence, Nathan Guy.
Guy was known for his hard work and dedication to Horowhenua as a chairman, mayor and environmental advocate.
The Koputaroa farmer was also a Queen’s Service Medal recipient, Horizons Regional Council councillor and chairman of environmental group Keep Levin Beautiful.
In a statement, Nathan Guy said his father touched many people’s lives in the Horowhenua District through his decades of local government service.
He was involved in many community and farming organisations, and retained an active and strong interest in them until recently.
‘‘Malcolm was always willing to listen and help the many people that sought his advice and support.’’
The Guy family was ‘‘blown away’’ by the number of visitors, phone calls and cards they received, Nathan Guy said.
‘‘The community’s support has been overwhelming as we mourn a big loss.’’
Malcolm Guy was the last chairman of the Horowhenua County Council and first mayor of the Horowhenua District Council in the 90s.
In a statement, former colleague Dennis Cole described Malcolm Guy as ‘‘the man for all’’.
‘‘He held strong beliefs for both urban and rural dwellers, developed from those early years on the Horowhenua County Council - who many believe were a team of extraordinary gentlemen.’’
In a statement, Horowhenua District Council chief executive David Clapperton said Malcolm Guy was an honest, caring, committed and practical man. He listened to others and didn’t ‘‘bear grudges’’ for things that didn’t go his way, he said.
‘‘He gained the respect of both councillors and staff for his quiet, practical manner and more so, respected others for their own involvement in service to the Horowhenua District.
‘‘The legacy of his achievements, leadership, dedication and passion [for] local government in Horowhenua will long be remembered,’’ Clapperton said.
Malcolm Guy’s funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Church in Levin on Wednesday at 2pm.