KNOWN as a gentle man with a passion for his property "Tongy" and the ability to prepare for dry times, Tom Lawrence "Tim" Baillieu cared for the Cassilis property that is now in fourth generation ownership of his four daughters.
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Tim died aged 85 in February.
Tim's cousin Marshall spoke at a service at St Andrew's Church and Octagon, Coolah, on February 24.
"Tongy", 29 kilometres west of Cassilis, was purchased by the family in 1922, it is 4860 hectares (it was originally 8500ha but some land was lost when broken up for soldier settlement after the Second World War).
Tim, the third generation custodian of "Tongy", ran a mixed farming business, concentrating on Merino and first-cross lamb production and a long-standing Hereford stud and commercial herd.
Marshall said Tim was proud of what he achieved at "Tongy".
"He had a wonderful understanding of what the country at 'Tongy' was capable of producing, which was evident in the pasture and cereal crops he grew and the great stands of lucerne."
Tim was among the first in the region to produce silage hay, to ensure stock at "Tongy" could be fed in dry times.
"He was also noted for his ability to divine for ground-water," Marshall said.
He saw many changes, from walking stock to Coolah to be sent by rail to sale, to the era of B-doubles.
He was passionate about the Hereford and Merino studs at "Tongy" and he loved the challenge of fixing machinery and working with neighbours on improvements.
As well as a love of flying with his wife Jan (nee Wilson) and family for holidays, he lent his skills to the Rural Fire Service to help spot fires.
Along with his family, and his four daughters, Tim's first love was "Tongy", closely followed by his interest in the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.
Tim is survived by daughters, Etienne Wilkinson (Missy), Katrina Henderson (Bean), Nickola MacSmith, (Nic) and Yvette Palmer (Vettie); son-in-laws Roger, Bob and Shane, grand-children Adelaide, Yvette, Primrose, Georgie, Ali, Tom, Jock, Sam, Hamish and Nick.
