Heath was well known in the true Far North as a vet. He had lived and worked out of Kaitaia for many years, first as a vet employed under the umbrella of the local dairy company and later ashead vet for Kaitaia Veterinary Services, which had been set up after the consolidation of the dairy company.
Heath was a staunch believer in honest hard work and in meeting the needs of his clients. He often had to travel several hundred miles in the course of day, making calls in places as far apart as Te Paki and Broadwood. Dairy farmers were his main customers, but he attended to all creatures great and small, often in fairly difficult situations and with limited resources.
His sometimes bluff exterior masked a deeply compassionate man. At times he could be blunt but was always to the point.
Heath gave generously of his time, and committed fully to the local A&P; Association which typified his willingness to help his community.
I know that Heath had suffered ill health for some years and was unable to participate in his community, but that will not diminish the memories of many who respected his work as a vet, his community work and his great personality.
