Legacy of a Kiwi legend

"A loss we will all feel" - Prime Minister John Key. Photo / David White

A year to the day after his World Cup final team talk to the All Blacks and the "stadium of four million" New Zealanders, legendary All Black, businessman and gentleman Sir Wilson Whineray has died - but his words still resonate.

"Whatever you do, keep the brain working. It's a large part of the performance, as in life itself," Sir Wilson told the All Blacks on the front page of the Weekend Herald on October 22, the day before the cup final last year.

He advised New Zealanders to be humble and gracious whatever the outcome of the final - traits widely attributed to Sir Wilson throughout his life and reiterated yesterday at the news of his death.

"One of the glories of sport is that there is always a winner and a loser," he wrote. "No one has a monopoly on winning in sport. Fortunately, winning is never forever - but neither is defeat."

Whineray, a prop who became captain of the All Blacks in 1958 when he was 23, died early yesterday at Auckland City Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 77, and had been in hospital for a month.

He is survived by Lady Elisabeth, son James, daughters Kristen and Susan and five grandchildren.

In a statement, the family remembered one of his favourite comments was that he didn't regret a single day in his life.

"Our father led a rich life filled to the brim with family, sport, business and the community. While he leaves a very big gap in our lives, we are blessed with many wonderful memories of him."

All Black flanker Waka Nathan, who played with Sir Wilson and toured with him to Britain in 1963, said he was a wonderful man and the epitome of a leader.

"I respect him terribly so. He is going to be sorely missed."

Last night, Dan Carter tweeted: "RIP Sir Wilson Whineray. Rugby legend."

Prime Minister John Key said it was fitting that his biography was titled A Perfect Gentleman.

"He was the rare breed of a man whose modesty and humility gave no hint of the greatness he had achieved. This is a loss all New Zealand will feel."

Sir Wilson played for the All Blacks 77 times between 1957 and 1965. His games included 32 tests, all but two as captain. He was New Zealand Sportsman of the Year in 1965.

Sir Wilson had an equally successful business career, gaining an MBA from Harvard University before beginning a long career with Alex Harvey Industries/Carter Holt Harvey, where he became deputy managing director, then chairman.

Business associate John Maasland said he was a clear thinker with a steely business mind, but also a man who understood how to deal with people - "just a lovely guy".

One of his greatest pleasures, Mr Maasland said, was being on the Dilworth Trust, which provides education to boys from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sir Wilson was knighted in 1994 for services to sport and business.