Gun City director Betsy Tipple dies of an aneurysm, passes away surrounded by children

Betsy Tipple. Photo / Supplied

The wife of Gun City's David Tipple and co-director of their shared business has died suddenly, aged 62.

David Tipple told the Herald his wife Betsy suffered a brain aneurysm on Sunday night and passed away peacefully in hospital the next morning surrounded by all six children.

The couple first met at a church camp as teenagers.

"I couldn't believe how pretty she was," Tipple told the Herald .

He said since then they had lived a "fairy tale" together and he marvelled how incredible it was they found each other at such a young age.

"We just got it right. It was right from the outset. We were just crazy head over heels in love with each other."

Married for 44 years, the couple "did everything together" and both are listed as directors of their company Gun City, where her skills as a trained legal secretary proved helpful in the early years.

One of her great hobbies over the years was breeding German shorthaired pointer dogs.

Tipple said his wife was an empathetic, selfless person who put all her energy into making those around her happy.

People had been turning up at the gate of their property desperate to express their condolences, he said.

"It is just incredible. It is absolutely lovely that she has touched so many people."

Tipple said their lives together had always "revolved around our kids and our family".

The couple's 18th grandchild was expected to arrive today.

"She will be sorely missed," he said.

David Tipple with his wife Betsy and family pictured meeting New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and deputy Shane Jones in 2019. Photo / Supplied