Key Takeaways
- Eric Hyslop was a community leader and founding member of the Taieri Lions Club, which is now over 50 years old.
- He was a passionate and driven individual who loved people and had a strong sense of community, as evident in his involvement with the Lions Club, the Taieri Highland Pipe Band, and other local organizations.
- Mr. Hyslop had a diverse range of interests and experiences, including playing the bagpipes, skiing, and traveling, which he pursued with enthusiasm and dedication.
- He was recognized for his contributions to the community, including being awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship, one of the Lions Club’s highest awards.
- Mr. Hyslop’s legacy is remembered by his family, friends, and community, who recall his friendly and outgoing personality, his love of people, and his passion for life.
Introduction to Eric Hyslop
Eric Hyslop was a man with a passion for life and people. Born on August 29, 1929, in Dunedin, he was the fifth child of Charlie and Helen Hyslop. His early life was marked by a strong sense of community and a love for the outdoors, which would stay with him throughout his life. As the son of a transport business owner, Eric was exposed to the importance of hard work and community service from a young age. He left Outram School at the age of 14 to work on his grandfather’s farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the land.
Early Life and Career
Eric’s early life was marked by a series of moves, as his family relocated to different parts of Otago. He eventually settled in Outram, where he joined the family business, Hyslop Rural Transport. The company serviced the local rural community, providing essential services such as stock and hay cartage, coal deliveries, and bulk fertilizer spreading. Eric’s role in the business was as a driver of a lime-sower, a position that allowed him to connect with the local community and develop his skills as a driver and operator. He was part of a team of brothers who worked together to build the business, and his experience in the family business laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Community Involvement
Eric’s passion for community service and his love of people led him to become involved in a range of local organizations. He was a founding member of the Taieri Lions Club, which is now over 50 years old, and served as its first president. He was also a member of the Taieri Highland Pipe Band, where he learned to play the bagpipes and became a life member. Eric’s involvement in these organizations reflected his commitment to serving others and his desire to make a positive impact on his community. He was a natural leader, and his charisma and enthusiasm inspired others to get involved and make a difference.
Personal Life and Later Years
Eric met his wife, Jean, at a local dance, and they married in 1953. The couple had five children and were involved in various community activities, including catering and fundraising for local events. Eric’s love of people and his passion for life led him to take up new hobbies and pursue new experiences, even in his later years. At the age of 70, he took up skiing, which became a favorite pastime, and he continued to ski until he was 81. Eric’s sense of adventure and his love of travel also led him to embark on several overseas trips, including a journey to the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands aboard a Russian vessel.
Legacy and Remembrance
Eric Hyslop passed away on August 16 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of community service, passion, and dedication. His family remembers him as a friendly and outgoing person who loved people and had a strong sense of curiosity. His daughter, Shona, recalled his ability to listen and make people feel heard, saying, "Nobody was off bounds – Dad was interested in everybody." Eric’s legacy is a testament to the power of community service and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. His story serves as an inspiration to others to get involved, make a difference, and pursue their passions with enthusiasm and dedication.
Conclusion
Eric Hyslop’s life was a remarkable journey of community service, passion, and dedication. From his early days as a young man working on his grandfather’s farm to his later years as a respected community leader, Eric lived a life that was full of purpose and meaning. His legacy continues to inspire others, and his memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and community for years to come. Eric’s story is a reminder that one person can make a difference, and that a life of service, passion, and dedication can have a lasting impact on the world.