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Journal of the Nelson and Marlborough Historical Societies, Volume 1, Issue 4, October 1984

Obituary

page 54

Obituary

Ralph Thomas Denton, farmer, researcher, historian. Died 21 May 1984.

Born in Canvastown, raised in the Nelson back country, farming in the Awatere Valley for 40 years and being a bachelor all his life, it seemed unlikely that Ralph Denton would become one of this district's top historians. When he retired from his farm 15 years ago, he moved to Blenheim and soon joined the Marlborough Historical Society. Before long he showed his ability as a researcher. His life had been farming and now his love became the sorting of the history of farming and the early settlement of Marlborough. He was most conscious of the need to record accurately and he soon developed as an author. His published accounts of most of the district's early stock runs are a valuable contribution to the future.

Over the past 10 years, Ralph involved himself continually with the Marlborough Vintage Farm Machinery Society. He spent a large part of most days in their well equipped workshop at Brayshaw Museum Park, restoring tractors, wagons, engines or anything else which took his eye.

He involved himself with all aspects of history, seldom missing a meeting, and working at his hobby till the day of his death. — N.M.