Obituary

attracted lots of attention. The run to the four Malvern memorials is almost 50km, and although the running seems flat, it’s a gradual climb all the way to Sheffield and then Glentunnel. Combined with a stiff NW wind for parts of the run some of the smaller cars were working pretty hard, but all made it to the finish in time for lunch. A great run on another nice autumn day – hard to believe after the impressive thunderstorm the night before.

Most left Glentunnel about 2pm when some large white cumulus clouds began to appear on the southern horizon. As we motored back towards Darfield through the autumn colours in sunshine, heading slightly downhill with a slight tail wind, I turned to Jenny and said “this is perfect veteran motoring”. Another great day out on a very memorable Anzac day and outing.

On a very sad note, I must record the passing of Alistair McKenzie two weeks ago. We will miss his enthusiasm, skills, and sense of humour at our events, and pass on our sincere condolences to Denise and the wider family.

Obituary Alister McKenzie

Alister joined the Vintage Car Club in August 1989. I first met him in the 1990s when we were both on the annual Syd’s Moped Run. He was riding a Trojan Mini Motor powered bicycle. I also had one of these languishing in my garage and so we started talking and developed a strong friendship from that day onwards.

He was a stalwart of the VIntage Car Club, ably assisted by Denise, for almost 32 years until his passing on 16 April this year. Along the way he collected and restored a range of vehicles including two Model T Fords, a Model A Ford pickup, a number of vintage tractors, a stationery engine and an assortment of clip-on motors and several mopeds. These included a Velosolex which he used regularly on a local monthly event, VOG runs. On one occasion he took his Mini Motor to a National Motorcycle Rally in the North Island. He entered in the various motorcycle events as there was not a separate category for mopeds or clip-ons. After the longer motorcycle rally route he told me that he had never before or after had such a sore bottom! Surely this showed true resilience and was a legendary achievement.

Some years ago Alister and I decided that we would resurrect the Canterbury Branch annual ‘clip-on runs’. Planning these with Alister was a pleasure as it was truly a co-operative effort.

Alister was ably supported by his wife, Denise, who assisted Branch members on the monthly ‘VOG’ runs by driving the back-up car and trailer, as she did on the annual moped and clip-on runs.

Sincere condolences to Denise, Andrew and Sarah and families.

Rest in peace, Alister. Doug Watkinson Canterbury Branch