Highly successful Masterton farmer, racehorse owner and rugby stalwart Barry Southey has died after a long battle with cancer.
Mr Southey, 69, owned a romney stud, twice judged romneys at Royal Shows in South America and was a past-president of the New Zealand Romney Association.
He played senior rugby for Masterton Rugby Club and continued an association with the merged Masterton-Red Star Club after his playing days were over, managing the senior side for several seasons.
He owned many racehorses over a long period and strongly supported trainer Aaron Bidlake who yesterday described Mr Southey as being "a dream owner" who never questioned training decisions and was always supportive.
"You couldn't get a better owner or a more pleasant man," Mr Bidlake said.
