Tom Horrobin (1940-2010)

The Petone Rifle Club members were saddened by the death in 2010 of their Patron and Life Member Thomas Horrobin.

Tom was introduced to the Club in the mid 60's and began his shooting with the -303 cal No4 Lee Enfield rifle. He was soon shooting at the Nationals where he reached the level of  B grade. Tom was a great Club person and became involved with the organization of not only the Club but also the shooting sport. He held a number of positions in the Club including the Ammo Steward, Club Captain, Deputy President and was the President from 1975-1978. Tom was later to take on roles within the WRA and was their President for a period and also Treasurer. He was honored with a WRA life membership in 1992. At NRANZ level Tom was a scrutineer and a member of the 'Standing Committee'. These were the Guys that did the work to see that the National Championships was organized and ran smoothly.

 In the mid 80's Tom was heavily involved with the moving of the PRC to its new location on the Seddon range.

Tom's late wife Colleen took over the running of the Club canteen and he had a lot to do supporting her in that role. They would stock up their freezer ready for the Nationals and Tom would do a lot of the running around making sure there was a good vehicle and trailer available to take the morning tea down onto the range. Later when Tom was not shooting he would help in the canteen and even had his hands in the sink.

For their efforts in the Club in 1992 Tom was awarded with PRC Life Membership and Colleen was honored with a Honorary Life Membership.

Tom was the current Patron of the Petone Rifle Club and made the presentations at the 2009 prize giving.

He was known by everyone as a good hard working, well respected person - 'Salt of the Earth'

RIP Tom