The tragedy was made even more poignant by the fact he and his family were in the process of moving back to Ngatapa and buying an interest in the family farm.
Guy worked in England, Queensland and New South Wales, and played polo in many other countries.
He first went to Ellerston at the age of 18 in January 1993 and then again for the 1994 polo season before heading to England for the next six polo seasons, and then to Queensland from 2002-2010.
He returned to Ellerston in July 2011 and had spent almost 10 years on the giant property developed by Australian billionaire, the late Kerry Packer.
The Kirkpatrick family are well known here for their contribution to sport — particularly polo and rugby.
Guy, the son of Colin and Caroline, grew up on the Kirkpatrick property with older brother Tim and twin brother Sam. He was educated at Patutahi School and Gisborne Boys’ High School.
He was a relative latecomer to polo and indeed riding horses, not entering the sport until his late teens.
It quickly became apparent he was an exceptionally talented horseman, with a natural polo swing and great eye for the ball.
Guy became an outstanding polo player who represented New Zealand on multiple occasions.
He applied his expertise while playing and working in England and Australia for many years.
During his six years playing in England and nine years in Queensland he would return to Gisborne each summer and play for Poverty Bay Polo Club — following in the footsteps of father Colin and uncles David and the late John.
In his early polo playing days he competed alongside his two brothers and father in local competitions.
It was an honour for Colin to play with his three sons.
Guy is warmly remembered for his ability to patiently develop young horses. Special mention was made, when he was farewelled in Australia, of the positive impact he had on young players and people in the polo community. They all loved working with him.
Away from polo and horses, Guy was a special and fun father to Henry and Alec and adored husband of Cathy.
He was very proud of his family.
His funeral service was held on School Polo Field at Ellerston Station on January 22.
The Packer family paid tribute to him in a statement, saying his tragic death “has shocked and devastated our community”.
“Guy was loved and greatly respected and we will miss him deeply.”
Kerry Packer’s wife Ros and daughter Gretel Barham-Packer and family donated a trophy in Guy’s memory to be presented yearly to the player showing exceptional horsemanship.
Others to pay tribute included the New Zealand Polo Association, which said in a statement that “Kirky was a charismatic and talented player.
“He was well respected in our community and will be sorely missed”.
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