Tribute
MACIVOR, Aldous Roderick
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Aldous MacIvor, aged 89, who left us in the early hours of August 16, 2024, at Wellington Hospital after a brief illness.
Aldous is survived by his children, Warren and Mariam McIvor, and Craig McIvor. He was grandfather to Steffan, Jasmine, Heather, and Jessica. His beloved wife, Frances, predeceased him two years ago.
Born and raised on a dairy farm in Nuhaka, north of Wairoa, Aldous showed an early talent for music, particularly the violin; His mother, however, said that there was no future in this and told him he was going to be a farmer! She enrolled him in Smedley Station Cadet Training Farm, where he earned a scholarship to study agriculture at Massey University. In 1956, he transferred to Lincoln College.
Aldous began his professional journey with the Department of Lands and Survey, before founding the Wairarapa Farm Improvement Club, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished career in agricultural consultancy and education. In 1969, he went to Lincoln College as a senior lecturer, a role he held for 12 years, shaping the next generation of New Zealand’s agricultural leaders.
His career since then was marked by a diverse array of roles, including:
– Completing a BA in Political Science and Geography.
– Designing the Diploma of Agriculture course in Fiji.
– Assisting in the transition of Lands and Survey to Land Corp.
– Contributing to environmental audits with the Commissioner of the Environment.
– Leading an expedition to the Auckland Islands to study and capture feral goats, collaborating with Jacques Cousteau.
– Assessing the feasibility of NZ pastoral agriculture in north-eastern Poland.
– Serving as a consultant to Ngāi Tahu and the Commissioner for Crown Lands during Treaty settlements.
In retirement, Aldous rekindled his passion for music, and he and Frances devoted their time to performing in concerts across Kapiti, raising funds for worthy causes.
A funeral service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held at the Waikanae Funeral Home on Friday 23 August 2024 at 1:00pm followed by interment at the Waikanae Cemetery.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the support and sympathy extended during this time of loss.
This service will be livestreamed and can be viewed here.