Margaret Mary Wilson

The funeral of Margaret Wilson occurred in the St Johns Church, Herbert on this past Thursday.

Margaret rightly belongs in the history of Herbert Forest because she is the daughter of Herbie Welsh, one on the 'originals'. Here she is at the reunion.

When Margaret was just three years old, her mother died in childbirth and so Herb was left to care for her. And I have no doubt times were tough for them.

Margaret married Jim Wilson (Skip), for whom Herbie had asked me to employ on the forest. Jim worked on the forest from their wedding day - well a bit after - until the demise of NZFS.

Like Herbie, Margaret was a worker. Before her marriage, she worked at the Oamaru Railway Refreshment Room - where the express train stopped to feed the passengers. So Margaret was a good cook/baker and caterer.

So for events such as Forestry Balls, forest fires, cricket matches and for Otepopo School, St Johns church, Margaret was always there with baking and making the tea.

Margaret was a keen walker - the broad smile and cherry wave was her greeting.

The Wilson boys were contemporaries of our sons, so we were together at those sort of happenings.

Tragically, Margaret faded away due to an eating disorder.

In her way Margaret brought light to those around her.