Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 44, September 2000
Ian Kingsford was born in 1941 into one of the first European families to settle at Waihi Beach. As a teenager he spent many hours body surfing and was a hard worker during the hay making season. He was apprenticed by Seath Dillimore, learning the cabinet making trade. Later he worked at the Ford Road cheese factory, in timber and joinery, construction, building houses, kitchen units and stone walls, along with commercial fishing.
Ian's marriage to Gloria took place in a simple ceremony at Waihi Hospital, shortly after he had been operated on for appendicitis.
A keen rugby player, Ian played until he was aged 33. He belonged to the Waihi Surf Life Saving Club for 35 years, firstly as an active patrolling member, while later he gave support as an associate member. He also took a keen interest in the activities of his children, Annette, Zane and Travis.
Ian and his friend, Owen Lockett, were often called out for search and rescue operations and they were involved in saving a number of lives.
The family moved to Kerepehi when Ian took up a position as manager of the feta, cheddar and specialty cheese factory and when the factory closed Ian elected to retire and return to Waihi Beach to live. They opened their home in Mayorview Terrace as a bed and breakfast establishment for guests from all over the country and from overseas. Ian kept up his fishing and took many of his guests out in his boat.
Three great loves featured in the life of Ian Kingsford - his family, his home and the sea. Numerous family and friends came to pay their respects at his funeral, held at St James Presbyterian Church, Waihi, on 15 September 1999.