Val Lindsay Abbott

We are saddened to share the passing of former Invercargill City Councillor Ronald Lindsay Abbott.

Lindsay first served on the Invercargill City Council from 1971 to 1974, before returning in 2007 and serving a further five consecutive terms until 2022. Across his long tenure, he brought wisdom, good humour, and a genuine love for the city he called home.

He chaired the Community Services Committee for a decade (2010–2020) and was a dedicated representative on a wide range of community groups including Age Concern, the Anderson Park Art Gallery Society, Safer Invercargill, Southland Civil Defence Group, the Invercargill District Licensing Committee, and the Events Committee.

Lindsay gave generously of his time and energy in service of Invercargill and its people. He will be remembered for his community spirit, dry wit, and deep Southland roots.

His funeral notice, written in his own words, summed him up beautifully:

“I journeyed somewhere on Saturday 31st May 2025, not sure where to, God only knows… I hope it is to a babbling brook… where I can pit my wits against a wily trout. If I catch him, I release him, like me Tommy trout is a free spirit.”

A Celebration of Life for Lindsay will be held at 10am, Saturday 7th June at J Fraser and Sons Chapel.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Thank you, Lindsay, for everything.