In 1963 he became manager of a high-producing Cambridge property running 15,000 sheep, 400 head of cattle and a large race horse stud that included the famous horse Mainbrace.
By 1967 Sandy had purchased his own 182ha sheep and beef farm at Whakamaru where he was able to increase his acreage over the years up to 384ha. He worked the Whakamaru property right up to 1993 while Moina, a registered nurse, ran the Mangakino Hospital's outpatient department for 23 years.
On retirement the family initially moved to Tauranga, then to Taupō in 2014 to be closer to family.
Over many years Sandy was active in a wide mixture of community groups. He was the Foundation President of Whakatane Jaycees in 1954 and the 1993 Foundation President of the Pacific Probus Club, Mt Maunganui, eventually being awarded a life membership.
While farming at Whakamaru he served on the Whakamaru School Committee and was Vicar's Warden at the Mangakino Co-op Parish and treasurer of the church and Probus Club.
He was active in political affairs, standing as an unsuccessful Parliamentary candidate at one stage, as well as being editor and owner of the Mangakino Chronicle for four years.
His community involvement continued in Taupō, where he was welcomed into the Taupō Pakeke Lions Club in 2014. Sandy was farewelled in Taupō last week.
