Donal Jack Greenslade
6032 Aged 77
Donal was born in Dunedin on 14 February 1939, the third son of Bob and Nan, brother to Bob (5675), Ken (5851) and Rick (6523). Donal attended John McGlashan College for his primary education from 1944 to 1951, then Christ’s College from 1952 to 1956. At College he was a school prefect, head of Jacobs House, captain of a very successful 1956 1st XV rugby team, captain of the 2nd XI cricket team and light heavyweight boxing champion. On leaving school Donal’s interest was towards farming. After military training, he spent a year as a farm cadet near Heriot (West Otago), and then helped manage a property owned by his father ‘Thornicroft Station’ amongst hill country north of Lawrence. Donal was there until the property was sold. Following that, he spent a year at Lincoln College where he gained a Diploma of Agriculture. From Lincoln College, Donal worked at McDonald Downs, then owned by the New Zealand Australian Land Company near Hawarden. While there he met his future wife, Sandie Denham. After their marriage, Donal became part owner, along with Sandie’s father Jack Denham (3581). The farm was a neighbouring farm to McDonald Downs.
During his time in Hawarden, Donal was president of the A & P Association and a member of the Hurunui Rabbit Board. He was also very involved with the Hawarden/Waikari rugby and cricket clubs and the local dog trial club. He was also part of a strong Young Farmers Club debating team. He had a wonderful knowledge of thoroughbred horse racing, especially the breeding side, and showed this interest by being on the committee of the Amberley Racing Club. Donal was well known for his sense of humour, his musical talents and always enjoyed life when out socially. Unfortunately for Donal, an ongoing illness took over the later part of his life. He was forced to sell the farm and spent the rest of his time in Christchurch where very sadly his life ended on 14 June 2016. Donal is survived by his two sons, Jim (9179) and Ben (9833), daughter Bridget and six grandchildren.
Chronicle 2017
18
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online