World War Two veteran and the last surviving member of the Dambusters, Les Munro. Photo / Andrew Warner
One of the country's most decorated war heroes, Les Munro, was farewelled this weekend.
The world's last surviving World War II Dambusters pilot was commemorated with an honorary flypast that followed his memorial service at Tauranga's Classic Flyers Aviation Centre yesterday afternoon.
More than 600 people turned out for the memorial service.
The death of the Squadron Leader on Tuesday made global headlines, and tributes and condolences poured in from around the world.
Granddaughter Chelsea Fielder spoke on behalf of the Munro grandchildren and said her "pop" was a "true patriarch in our family".
"The mighty totara tree of our family has fallen," Ms Fielder said. "The branches and leaves have sheltered and protected us...What remains now are the solid roots in the ground, enriched by Pop's memories."
Son Graham Munro spoke of his dad as a dedicated and caring man who shaped the lives of him and his siblings.
"The family are very proud of our father. He had long and very successful life. He touched many people in many different ways as he lived his life and expected nothing in return."
Colleague and friend Dave Muir said "for this man I would have put my hand in the fire. Farewell friend."
Stories told about Mr Munro's life stretched from his upbringing in Gisborne in the 1920s, to his World War II accolades, to raising a family in the King Country, to his retirement in Tauranga in the 2000s.
Bruce Williams spoke of how Mr Munro was mayor of Waitomo District unopposed for 17 years, saying "I guess he stood for the people and everybody knew that".
Air Force chief Air Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley attended the service with a crew from Wellington.
Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat) chief executive Mike Frawley also attended.
Members of the Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Navy and war veterans stood to attention as Mr Munro's grandchildren carried their grandfather as the Last Post was played.
Five Harvard aircraft performed the aerial salute know as the 'missing man' which was given in memory of fallen pilots.
Earlier this year, Mr Munro offered to sell his World War II medals in an overseas auction to raise funds for the upkeep of a memorial honouring his fallen comrades.
However, British businessman and philanthropist Lord Ashcroft stepped in to withdraw the medals from auction.
Lord Ashcroft offered £75,000 ($175,500) to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund for the upkeep of the memorial, and in exchange, Mr Munro donated his medals, logbooks and other war memorabilia to Motat.
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