A man described as an iconic stock agent, Alan Douglas (Hizzy) Hiscox died at his Taumarunui home on May 2.
In a career stretching back to the 1970s, Alan became a top Central North Island auctioneer, following humble beginnings as a National Mortgage Association (NMA) trainee from Feilding.
Alan Hiscox worked around the central North Island and was a familiar face for farmers.
As one of the company’s front men, he was regarded as a talented operator, telling Country Life in a 2016 interview that he prided himself on always doing his best for both client and company.
“‘Hizzy’ always did things his way,” fellow auctioneer and friend Carl White said.
“He was truly iconic in my view; though he only really sold in the Central North Island, he was second to none, definitely under-utilised.”
Carl said Alan outshone many so others due to his presence and his diction – you could always understand him.
“Beyond that, one of his greatest assets was knowing the market. He had orders; he always knew where to place cattle and sheep.”
After being promoted from general office duties as a young man, Alan naturally took to the role as a stock agent and never looked back.
After finding his feet in Feilding, Alan was transferred to Wrightsons in Taumarunui in 1984 and felt right at home.
He accepted a transfer back to Feilding in 1987 but after a week he wanted to go back to Taumarunui.
Because he had resigned from Wrightson, he set up Alan Hiscox Livestock – one of the first independents in New Zealand – and returned to Taumarunui where he remained until his death.
Soon after his return, Taranaki Farmers purchased Fagan Farmers in Piopio and Te Kuiti renaming it King Country Farmers who then approached Alan to buy his business.
They instead agreed on a 50-50 partnership and King Country Farmers Livestock was born.
Through it all Alan specialised mainly in sheep and beef because of the down-to-earth way that industry does business. His area covered Te Kawa to Mokau.
Carl said Alan had both an amazingly high IQ and a dry sense of humour and was capable of lively repartee.
“But this was never cruel; it was always just banter.”
Alan was made a life member of the Taumarunui Eels Rugby and Sports Cub about a week before his death from cancer, receiving his jacket at a ceremony at his home. Over the years he had taken on many roles within the club.
Alan is survived by his wife Arlene, their children Nathan and Kelly and their grandchildren. His funeral was held at the Taumarunui Cosmopolitan Club last week.
Alan Hiscox worked around the central North Island and was a familiar face for farmers.
