EVELYN MAY SYME nee BUIST

 

Evelyn May Buist was born in Edinburgh, Scotland where her father was a medical student at the university, and in 1910 the family emigrated to New Zealand.� The Buist family settled in Eltham, and later moved to Kaponga where Dr Buist built a private hospital with a maternity ward, which gave service for more than 70 years.

 

Following their move to Hawera in 1919, Dr Buist built Craigholm Private Hospital complete with operating theatre on Fairfield Road.� The hospital continued to give service until the early 1950's.

 

Evelyn was educated at Kaponga, St Marys School Stratford, Wanganui Girls High School (sic) and at Iona College, Havelock North.

 

On completing her education, Evelyn returned to Hawera and worked for her father in the surgery office.

 

Keen on sport, she enjoyed swimming at Ohawe Beach and joined the Hawera Tennis Club.� She represented Taranaki in tnnis and badminton.� Mountain climbing and tramping were also interests.� She was a foundation member of the Mt Egmont ALpine Club and in 1929-30 helped with the building od the hut on Fantham paek.

 

In 1936, Evely married Rod Syme.� They set up home in George Street, Hawera, and shared the work and pleasure in establishing a large garden, and raising two sons who have done well in their chosen professions.

 

Their sons climbed Mt Egmont from the age of seven onwards.� In 1951 there was a special family climb, when parents and boys reached the summit together.� This was Evelyn's 29th climb of Mt Egmont, and her last.� Her climbing days were not over, however.� For the next 20 years the Symes spent most holidays climbing, skiing and tramping in New Zealand's national parks.

 

In later years Evelyn enjoyed her garden and flowers, and bridge kept her in touch with her many friends.

 

Evelyn May Syme died on 10 February 1992 at Hawera.