Keith Niederer was made an Honorary Fellow in July 2015 for incredible service to the industry
Many of us will remember his lectures about the feats of mankind including construction of the pyramids; the salesman from engineering company Booth MacDonald (selling Aveling Barford machinery). Keith obtained the first licence to manufacture the Barmac crusher at his Niederer Machinery business. He had a kiwi can do attitude, regularly stitching together a whole crushing plant using second-hand (pre-loved) machinery from both local or overseas sources. He also operated Niederer Drilling, which was a stepping stone for many drillers serving our industry.
Keith rarely missed any IOQ branch meeting – he felt it was his business to attend no matter where he was in NZ. He loved sharing any stories about quarrying, and drill/blast. and of course with his dry sense of humour.
He remembered everyone’s names, and was always one to ensure there was a few dollars on the bar for ‘beers for the boys’.
At the Westport Conference in 1990, Keith received a citation from the IOQNZ, and in July 2015 he accepted an Honorary Fellow of the IOQ.
And right to the end Keith insisted that no one should make a fuss of him – he was privately cremated with no funeral held.
While it’s a sad occasion, he will live on in the memories of all who had the pleasure of his company.