Long-time Cambridge Stud employee and respected Waikato horsewoman Margaret Fife is being remembered for her extraordinary work ethic, loyalty and willingness to help others following her passing last week.
Margaret passed away at Waikato Hospital last Friday, having spent a significant part of her working life alongside Sir Patrick Hogan at Cambridge Stud and Monarch Farm.
Her involvement in the thoroughbred industry stretched well beyond Cambridge Stud. During a storied career she also worked for Jeff McVean at Glen Oaks Stud, now known as The Oaks, as well as Highview Stud and Ascot Farm, while assisting with accounts for international clients with thoroughbred interests in New Zealand.
Margaret's contribution was far from confined to the office. In her earlier years at Cambridge Stud she was hands-on with the horses and regularly foaled mares alongside Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan.
A familiar figure throughout the thoroughbred industry, particularly during the busy sales periods, Margaret worked largely behind the scenes and was renowned for her attention to detail and a work ethic that rarely allowed her to stand still.
Former Cambridge Stud General Manager Marcus Corban said Margaret's contribution extended across almost every aspect of the business.
“She was a very hard-working and relentless person. She was very dedicated to the job,” Corban said.
“She never stopped working. She was just one of those people who helped a lot of people.
“At the sales she would be the last person there cleaning up in the hospitality tent and then she would be back there first thing in the morning setting it all back up.
“She did all the accounts, she did all the broodmare returns. She just never stopped.
“She was one of a kind.”
Margaret's contribution to the wider equestrian community was equally significant, particularly through her association with the Waikato Hunt.
She served as the Hunt's secretary and treasurer for 39 years and was made a Life Member in 2003.
The Waikato Hunt remembered Margaret as an extraordinary horsewoman who served the organisation with wisdom, loyalty and exceptional attention to detail.
She was also closely associated with the Taupo Hunt and remained a familiar presence at Hunt events, taking particular pride in the Waikato Hunt's property and kennels at Tirau.
Known affectionately as Marg, she was remembered by Hunt members for her humour, elegance and countless hunting stories, along with her memorable partnership with “Champion Chuck”.
Margaret is survived by her life partner Don, sisters Lynley and Nicoli, and her wider family.
In accordance with her wishes, a private cremation has taken place, with a memorial celebration of her life to be held at a later date.
