Robert Gifford Middleton
5507 Aged 83
Robert Gifford Middleton was born in Christchurch on 6 March 1933, the son of Nina and James (Jimmy) Middleton. He had a half- brother James (Jim) Middleton (3017) and a half-sister Fanny. He was known throughout his life as Pip, after an uncle of the same name. His grandfather, Herbert Gifford Moore (676) had a passion for Dickens and named several of his children after Dickens’ characters. Pip attended The Cathedral Grammar School and Christ’s College, where he was in Condell’s House from 1946 to 1950. On leaving school, he was articled to HJ Hudson as a survey cadet. He qualified as a registered surveyor after completing a correspondence course while working fulltime. On Mr Hudson’s death, he acquired the practice and was joined by Bruce Alexander (5464) practising under the name of Middleton and Alexander. They were joined by Jack Williams, and the firm became Middleton, Alexander and Williams. Later, when Bruce left, it was known as Middleton, Williams and Co. Pip was an active member of the Canterbury branch of the Institute of Surveyors. He had a prodigious knowledge of Canterbury properties and their history and he took a great interest in the land. He retired in 2001. Pip was a keen skier. He started skiing in Hagley Park in the big snow of 1945, and then joined the Canterbury Winter Sports Club where he was a member of the first junior ski party at Cheeseman in 1946.
In his later years he continued skiing and had much pleasure in skiing with his grandsons at Round Hill. Pip and his wife Barbie enjoyed gardening at their property in Yaldhurst Road where they lived for 32 years and bought up their four children. For many years they also enjoyed tramping and camping with family and friends. On his retirement, Pip enjoyed playing golf at Hanmer Springs where the family had built a holiday home. He had much pleasure travelling, especially with friends on golfing holidays to Australia. Pip was a founding member of a men’s walking group known as ‘The Ambulators’ which included many of his school contemporaries. He was involved with the Christ’s College Guides for several years, taking pleasure showing interested people around College and meeting people from other countries. Pip’s health deteriorated in his last year, but he continued to be involved with his golf and his family. He always enjoyed the company of friends as he stoically and courageously endured a debilitating illness. His sense of humour was always with him. Pip is survived by his wife Barbie, four children, Andrew (8927), Julia, Patrick (9611) and Alistair (10321) and seven grandchildren.
He is sadly missed by all who knew him.
Chronicle 2017
14
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