Farewell for community stalwart

COMMUNITY-MINDED: John Tenquist and his wife Erica, in 2007, when he was made a member of the NZ Order of Merit. PHOTO/FILE

John Tenquist, a community-minded man who was a huge part of Featherston life, died on Saturday surrounded by friends and family.

The 80-year-old was well-known for his involvement in the Featherston Anzac Club Society, Lions, the Fell Locomotive Museum and his time as a councillor.

He was also a member of the NZ Order of Merit, awarded in 2007 for his voluntary work with senior citizens and in the community.

His wife Erica had been awarded the same honour, 10 years earlier, for services to the community.

"There's so many things he has been involved in," said Solitaire Robertson, Featherston ward councillor for South Wairarapa District Council.

"John and Erica have both contributed so much to the town, we have got a lot to be grateful for."

She said many people would remember him for his work in the community but also his wit.

"He had an incredibly dry sense of humour."

Ms Robertson had known him for almost a decade, initially through the Anzac Club where he organised many concerts for the town.

She said he organised all of the Anzac concerts, a huge amount of work, and at one time brought top NZ concert pianist Michael Houstoun to town as an Easter treat.

Mr Tenquist served on the Featherston Borough Council, completing six terms before retiring in 1983 and then serving three terms on the SWDC, involved in a stack of committees and representative positions.

"When he stepped off council he nominated me, I will always be very grateful for that," said Ms Robertson.

Born in England, Mr Tenquist left as a young man and made a new life for himself in New Zealand, becoming a veterinary parasitologist at Wallaceville Animal Research Centre, where he worked for 37 years before retiring.

He was a prolific fundraiser, raising money for many community projects like the Featherston Ambulance Appeal and Friends of the Fell which was responsible for restoring the world's last Fell Engine.

He was also project leader for the publication of a 150 year history of Featherston, raising enough money for the book to be published.

Ms Robertson said the Anzac Club was looking to do another run of the book.

Mr Tenquist authored two books in his life, Rails over the Ranges and The Anzac Hall Story, and also succeeded in having over 60 scientific papers published.

Mr Tenquist's funeral will be held at the Anzac Hall in Featherston today at 11am.