Featherston farewells town identity

POLITICAL EFFORTS: Mayor of South Wairarapa Adrienne Staples talked about John Tenquist's qualities as a councillor.PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGA

Every seat in Featherston's Anzac Hall was filled with friends and family paying tribute to John Tenquist, MNZM, who died on Saturday.

The number of people at his funeral yesterday was testament to the numerous groups and projects the Featherston resident was a part of.

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples, who worked with Mr Tenquist, said it was a privilege to reflect on his contribution to local government.

"He was a forthright and tenacious councillor, someone who really cared about the town he lived in.

"Featherston and the district has lost a citizen who contributed much and had certainly became a man of note."

Karen Wong from the Office for Senior Citizens which Mr Tenquist volunteered for said it was extremely fortunate to have him on board.

"His service to community made him a unique asset to Wairarapa and to the Office of Senior Citizens.

"He never hesitated to share his knowledge and expertise."

Mr Tenquist's son Fraser said it was fantastic to see so many people.

"It's a testament to him to see so many people here today."

He said Tuesday also marked Mr Tenquist and his wife Erica's 53rd wedding anniversary.

Daughter Susan Allen talked about his last days at their Bethune St family home, where he died peacefully.

"He spent his final days in a town in which he played such a pivotal role."

She also talked about going duck shooting, tramping, eeling, possuming with her father and also the gift of music he gave her.

Mr Tenquist's grandaughters' speeches moved many at the funeral to tears.

Samantha Tenquist said he was the most amazing grandad to his 10 grandchildren.

Bonnie Allen said music connected her with her grandfather.

"His hard work and time put into the community of Featherston has touched many people," she said.

A parasitologist at the Wallaceville Animal Research Centre for 37 years, Mr Tenquist also volunteered and fundraised for many projects in Wairarapa, wrote books on local history, and was an active Lions Club member.

He was a qualified ambulance driver, the founding chairman of Friends of the Fell, a member of the Fareham House Visiting Committee, run by the Department of Social Welfare for children at risk, and a past-president of Featherston Jaycee.

Mr Tenquist was also credited for turning the very rundown Featherston Scout group into a high-performing one and started the Wallaceville Farm Days project, designed to give city children the opportunity to come into contact with farm animals.

Funeral celebrant Pam Bailey summed up his life in a poem - a life well lived.