Community
One of our patients, Ken Officer, has made an extraordinary gift to Hospice South, generously donating his much-loved 1962 Austin Cambridge to help ensure compassionate care remains available for patients and their families across our community.
For Ken, the Austin is much more than a classic car. It represents a chapter of life that began with a simple but heartfelt decision.
Several years ago, after a visit to a cardiologist in Dunedin, Ken was given the difficult news that he had between six months and a year to live. On the drive home, his wife Yvonne asked what he would most like to do. Ken’s answer was immediate:
Prior to this appointment – and unknown to Yvonne – Ken had spotted a fully restored Austin Cambridge advertised for sale in Mosgiel and knew he had found exactly what he was looking for. And so, the next chapter began.
A lifelong classic car enthusiast, Ken has owned an impressive collection of vehicles over the years, including a 1950 LIP Vauxhall, Hillman 80, Austin A40, Morris Oxford, and even an MG Roadster once owned by Bruce McLaren. Today, his favourite vehicle is his treasured S-Type Jaguar, which proudly occupies the family garage.
When the time came to move into a new home, Ken faced a dilemma. There was no longer room for the Austin, and while it could be kept in storage, he felt the car deserved a greater purpose. After discussing the idea with Hospice South CEO Pete Thompson, Ken decided to donate the vehicle to Hospice South, turning a beloved possession into a lasting contribution to the community.
Ken’s generosity reflects a lifetime of service and hard work. After leaving school, he attended Southland Technical College to learn the building trade before discovering his true calling as a butcher. He completed his apprenticeship under Ron Simpson and went on to own eight butcher’s shops across Southland. Along the way, he trained many apprentices, including Jan Harpur, Invercargill’s first female butcher, who still describes Ken as the best boss she ever had.
Service has always been important to the Officer family. Yvonne was awarded a QSM in 2021 for services to Victim Support and continues her tireless volunteer work supporting patients and families through St John at Southland Hospital. Ken himself served as President of the Invercargill East Lions Club and was on the board of trustees at St John’s Girls’ School.
Married for 65 years, Ken and Yvonne are proud parents of two, grandparents of four, and great-grandparents of three. Their roots run deep in the South, and their commitment to helping others has touched countless lives.
Now, through the donation of his cherished Austin Cambridge, Ken is creating another legacy, one that will help Hospice South continue providing specialist palliative care and support to patients and families when they need it most.
We are deeply grateful to Ken and Yvonne for their generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to their community. And to Ken for a gift that will make a lasting difference for years to come.
The Austin Cambridge is currently available to view in our Reloved by Hospice South shop, corner of Leet and Deveron Streets, Invercargill.
Auction details for the Austin Cambridge will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we invite classic car enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters of Hospice South to register their interest and follow the journey of this remarkable vehicle.
If you would like to be among the first to receive information about the auction, including viewing opportunities and bidding details, please register your interest with Hospice South.
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