Michael Edwin Averill Cartridge
5740 Aged 81
Mike was born in Auckland on 24 June 1936, and was the elder son of the Rev. LE (George) Cartridge and his wife Winifred. After early schooling at King’s School in Auckland, Mike and his family moved to South Canterbury in 1946, when his father was appointed Vicar of St Augustine’s Church in Waimate. Mike was at College from 1949 to 1953 as a boarder in Jacobs House. He was a member of the Chapel Choir and developed a keen interest and ability in science. During his school holidays, he relished the rural way of life in Waimate and his love of animals and country life generally developed during his teenage years. Unsurprisingly, he chose to follow a career in Veterinary Science, and gained entry to Sydney University, graduating BVSc in 1959. Following initial experience in veterinary clinics in the Waimate area, he and David Wood (5545) joined forces in 1964 to form the veterinary practice of Cartridge and Wood, which covered the whole of the North Canterbury area from Amberley to Kaikoura. Mike was based at Waikari, and became well known and respected by clients in both rural and urban areas in North Canterbury between Amberley and Hanmer Springs. He finally retired from the practice in 1996, moving first to Christchurch and then to Nelson in 2006. In both places, he continued to work part time as an inspector for Animal Welfare at export freezing works and ports. He finally retired in 2016, as he approached his 80th birthday.
Mike gave generously of his time to his professional body, the New Zealand Veterinary Association, of which he was national president in 1977, as well as participating in many community projects in Waikari. He also served for several years on the board of St Margaret’s College, and was a Justice of the Peace. He was particularly interested in stud sheep and in new breeds of cattle, and engaged with friends in pursuing this interest, both on his small holding ‘Jedburgh‘, near Waikari, and elsewhere. He also took more than a passing interest in the trotting world, both professionally and as a part owner. Mike is survived by his wife Valda, whom he married in 1961, their son Douglas (9558) and their three daughters Sally, Wendy, and Jane, as well their 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. His younger brother Selwyn (6128) predeceased him. Mike died in Nelson on 16 August 2017, after a very short illness. His funeral in Nelson Cathedral was very well attended by family, former clients and friends, many of whom had travelled far to be present.
Chronicle 2017
15
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